Assam CM, Bangladesh envoy hold talks on issues of mutual interest
GUWAHATI:
Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, Muhammad Imran met Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the latter’s official residence here on February 26 and discussed a range of issues of mutual interest.
During the discussion, Chief Minister Sonowal advocated the need for stronger ties with Bangladesh while referring to the Centre’s Act East Policy which, he said, has ushered in new possibilities.
Sonowal said that riding on this policy, Assam and Bangladesh should collaborate for a new high in their mutual relations.
The chief minister also flagged issues concerning bilateral trade and commerce for the interests of both Bangladesh and Assam.
“Since Assam is a next-door neighbour of Bangladesh, there should be frequent exchange programmes between both the geographical entities,” he said.
Sonowal further advocated improvement of connectivity between Assam and Bangladesh through waterways, airways and roadways.
The Bangladesh High Commissioner said his country was eager to have more trade and cultural ties with Assam.
Imran also emphasised re-strengthening import and export between Assam and Bangladesh with cooperative collaborations.
Assam Industry and Commerce Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary; Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief minister Paban Borthakur; Principal Secretary to Industry and Commerce, K.K. Dwivedi; Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Guwahati Shah Mohammad Tanvir Monsur and first secretary, Bangladesh High Commission, Zakir Ahmed, among others, were present in the meeting.
Assam shares 263 kilometres of border with Bangladesh, of which 143.9 kilometres is land and 119.1 kilometres riverine.
(Edited by Laxmi Chyrmang)
