New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for greater cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the areas of energy, power, infrastructure and tourism.
As visiting Bangladesh Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali called on him on Friday, Modi reiterated India's resolve to continue extending full support to efforts of Bangladesh for its socio-economic development.
"In this context, he called for greater cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the areas of energy, power, infrastructure development and tourism," a PMO statement said.
Modi expressed appreciation for Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's personal interest and commitment to the relationship.
Responding to an invitation to visit Bangladesh, he said he looked forward to doing so at the earliest convenience.
"He (Modi) also looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India," the statement said.
Ali recalled the historical, cultural and economic links between India and Bangladesh.
He expressed appreciation for the special emphasis given by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government to the relations in India's neighbourhood.
Ali, who is in New Delhi for the third meeting of the India Bangladesh Joint Consultative Commission, conveyed desire of the people and government of Bangladesh to further strengthen and deepen relations with India.
The statement said that Modi also underscored the need to take concrete steps to promote bilateral trade and investment.
"It was agreed that improved connectivity through development of transportation (road, rail, inland waterways, shipping and air) links would facilitate economic cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties," the statement said.
