Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– Bangladesh and Burma, officially known as Myanmar, reiterated their commitment to establish physical connectivity when Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, who is currently on a visit to Myanmar to attend the 13th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, met with her Myanmar counterpart U Nyan Win in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday.

Bangladesh foreign minister emphasized that as close neighbors, the two countries needed to have direct road connectivity as well as in shipping and railway.

“The two ministers also agreed to establish direct air links at an early date. To this end, they agreed to make necessary amendments to the existing air services agreement,” a foreign ministry announcement said in Dhaka on Saturday.

They took note of the progress on the maritime demarcation between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Dipu Moni stressed the need to conclude the repatriation of the Myanmar refugees from Bangladesh.

She also called upon Myanmar to look at ways for the return of the undocumented Myanmar nationals currently staying inside Bangladesh.

However, she noted with happiness that a power purchase agreement, involving the private sectors of the two countries, for import of electricity from Myanmar is under process.  She also noted the progress in bilateral trade.

Mohamed Mijarul Quayes, the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary, Anup Kumar Chakma, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Myanmar accompanied the foreign minister during the meeting.

BBN/SI/AD-22Jan11-2:56 pm (BST)