Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) – At the first summit level meeting in over seven years Bangladesh and Burma, officially known as Myanmar, have agreed to strengthen cooperation through boosting bilateral relations.
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and President of Myanmar Thein Sein discussed the full range of issues during the official talks held between the two countries in the Myanmar capital of Nay Pyi Taw, a foreign ministry press statement said on Tuesday.
During the official talks, both the leaders reached consensus on broad issues of mutual interest and reiterated their resolve to forge greater cooperation in the fields of trade, commerce, defence, investment promotion, energy, agriculture and border management.
They also agreed to intensify cooperation in newer areas like education and rural development, according to the statement.
The two sides signed an agreement on the formation of joint commission at the level of foreign ministers which is expected to oversee and coordinate all bilateral issues in an institutional frame.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the establishment of Joint Business Council was also signed between the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) and Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industries (UMFCCI), it said.
In her maiden meeting with Myanmar counterpart, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina raised the issue of repatriation of the residual Myanmar refugees living in Nayapara and Kutupalong camps in Cox’s Bazar district and the huge number of undocumented Myanmar nationals who have crossed over into Bangladesh.
She stated that early resolution of the matter will bring to an end to this long standing issue that had already created negative socio-economic impact in the area.
Consequently, relations between the two countries would also see further forward movement, she stressed.
Myanmar president assured the prime minister of Myanmar’s readiness for an early resumption of the repatriation process of the already cleared list of refugees under the aegis of UNHCR. He also expressed his country’s desire to continue dialogue for an early resolution of the issue.
Earlier Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was accorded a ceremonial reception with Guard of Honour at the Presidential Office in the union Capital of Nay Pyi Taw. She also called on the president of Myanmar before the official talks.
Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, Ambassador at Large, Principal Secretary, Foreign Secretary, Home Secretary, Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar were among those who assisted the Prime Minister during the talks.
A 40-member business delegation headed by FBCCI President is also accompanying with the prime minister.
Later, Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone of Bangladesh Embassy in the newly created diplomatic zone of Nay Pyi Taw. She also met with the Bangladesh Community members living in Myanmar. In the evening, Myanmar President Thein Sein hosted a state banquet in honour of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her delegation.
BBN/SSR/AD-07Dec11-8:02 am (BST)
