Mani Shankar Meets Hasina

PM for joint efforts to eradicate poverty

13 July 2010, 18:00 PM

Unb, Dhaka

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday described poverty as common enemy for South Asian nations and called for collective efforts to eradicate poverty. She made the call when a visiting ten-member Indian delegation led by Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar met her at Gonabhaban. Aiyar was accompanied by his wife and Indian High Commissioner Rajeet Mitter. Discussing about the proposed deep seaport in Chittagong, Hasina said India, China and other neighbouring countries of Bangladesh would be able to use it. They also discussed bilateral issues apart from introducing border bazar, river dredging, shipbuilding and food security. Prime Minister's press secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed journalists after the meeting. Mani Shankar highly appreciated Hasina's leadership and said the friendly relation between Bangladesh and India has been strengthened in recent days as democratic governments are in power in the both the countries. The Congress leader said the friendly ties of the two countries are very positive sign for the betterment of common people. He hoped that trade relations between them would be strengthened in the days to come. The delegation emphasised the trade relations between Bangladesh and India's northeastern region knows as seven sisters. Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin and principal secretary to the Prime Minister MA Karim were present during the meeting.