Current Time:
Press Briefings
Transcript of EAM’s Joint Press Conference in Dhaka
09/02/2009
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr Dipu Moni,
I have the honour and privilege to be with you this afternoon, with the Honourable External Affairs Minister of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. Mr. Mukherjee is a very old friend of Bangladesh and an outstanding statesman, whose contribution to Indian national politics and to the promotion of robust Indo-Bangladesh relationship needs no reiteration.
He has visited Bangladesh on many occasions in the past, but his present visit is taking place at an important juncture in Bangladesh’s history. We have just had a landmark general election in Bangladesh which has seen a restoration of democracy in Bangladesh and election of the grand alliance under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Mr. Mukherjee has come not only to congratulate the people of Bangladesh but also he is carrying a special message from Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for our Honourable Prime Minister.
This morning, Mr. Mukherjee, Dr. Hassan Mahmood and I had the opportunity to have comprehensive discussions on how India and Bangladesh – two close friendly countries, bound by common history, shared democratic values and a whole range of mutually reinforcing interests – can move forward to further enrich our relations. Our discussions covered entire range of our bilateral relations encompassing issues of common interest. We discussed practical ways in which we can add substantial contents to our already significant economic relations with specific focus on promoting two-way trade, reducing the trade gap between the two countries, trade-creating investments and a whole range of trade facilitation measures. Our discussions on connectivity-related issues were constructive where we shared our views on the matter with specific focus on our national interest.
We also had comprehensive discussions on the security-related matters including our common concern on the threat posed by anti-people activities of the fundamentalists and extremists. From the Bangladesh side, we shared our ideas of a South Asian Task Force that can be useful in promoting cooperation to complement independent national action of all the willing countries joining the Task Force. We also categorically assured Mr. Pranab Mukherjee that Bangladesh will not countenance any anti-Indian activities by elements inimical to the interest of India using Bangladesh’s territory. Similarly, we have also sought India’s cooperation against elements who are trying to harm Bangladesh.
The question of peaceful management of the Indo-Bangladesh borders, finalization of the demarcation of the land boundaries between our two countries and our maritime boundaries also featured in our discussions. Bangladesh also specially requested Mr. Mukherjee to extend India’s full cooperation to revive, for a positive forward movement on the stagnating discussions between the two countries on the water-related issues. We discussed how these discussions could be carried forward with positive results.
We agreed that all the existing instruments at our disposal will be fully utilized with due sense of purpose and urgency to elevate the level of cooperation between our two countries to a new height. We are hopeful that the present visit of Mr. Pranab Mukherjee will open a new phase of coordination and cooperation between our two countries on a whole range of bilateral, regional and international issues.
We also took the opportunity provided by our discussions to convey to the people and the Government of India, the best wishes of the people and Government of Bangladesh.
Statement by External Affairs Minister of India (EAM): Honourable Minister, Representatives of Media, Ladies and Gentlemen
I am extremely delighted to be here today and take this opportunity to convey warm greetings and congratulations to the friendly people of Bangladesh on the successful conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in Bangladesh. As a close and friendly neighbour India warmly welcomes the return to multiparty democratic politics in Bangladesh and looks forward to closely working with the newly elected government under the leadership of H.E. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to further strengthen the ties between both countries.
I have had very fruitful discussions with the Foreign Minister H.E. Dr. Dipu Moni and Home Minister H.E. Advocate Sahara Khatun on the entire gamut of our bilateral relations including issues related to security, border management, strengthening connectivity, promoting trade and investment and strengthening people-to-people contact between both countries.
Our relations have witnessed an upward swing in the recent past. We, on our part, have tried to sustain this engagement by taking several important steps, including unilateral gestures to Bangladesh. These are designed to build trust and mutual confidence. They include allowing Bangladesh to export eight million pieces of readymade garments to India duty-free, lifting the ban on FDI from Bangladesh, providing duty-free access to several items and pruning the sensitive list for promoting exports from Bangladesh to India. Needless to add, India, as a friendly neighbour, always remains committed to supporting the people and strengthening its relations with Bangladesh.
Today we have also signed two Agreements – one on bilateral trade and the other on bilateral investment promotion and protection. These would further strengthen the framework for trade and investment between both countries.
Ladies and Gentlemen, in a globalized world, it is important for both countries to enhance connectivity, linkages and boost our trade which would bring prosperity to the region. Last year on Pehali Besakh on April 14 both countries took a historic step by starting the Maitree Express train service between Dhaka and Kolkatta. Initiatives like these generate synergy and result in a mutually beneficial relationship. It is important to recognize the mutuality of our interest. Both countries are also undertaking several initiatives to improve the trade infrastructure, including Land Customs Stations, Road, Rail and riverine routes to help facilitate greater economic engagement. I call on the private sector of both countries to seize these opportunities.
Ladies and Gentlemen, India remains committed to support Bangladesh in its hour of need. We have readily provided Bangladesh aid and assistance to help it overcome the damage caused by some of the worst natural disasters in recent years. These included cash assistance of USD 10 million, supply of food aid consisting of essential items including rice and milk powder of a total value of nearly 40 million USD. In the aftermath of the cyclone in November 2007, India sent an emergency relief package of essential commodities, we have already delivered the 5 lakh tonnes of rice waiving ban on export.
Today I have unveiled the model of the 2800 core shelters which we would be constructing soon in the 11 cyclone ‘Sidr’ affected villages. Later this afternoon, I will unveil the Foundation Stone for the construction of Kalabhaban at the Dhaka University.
Ladies and Gentlemen, an area of concern for both countries is to combat the growing menace of extremism and terrorism in the region. Closer cooperation on security issues is the need of the hour. We should move to address such issues with the understanding that both our countries will benefit in the long run.
Thank you.
Questions and Answers:
On the question of the proposal for a Regional Task Force against Terrorism. [ Masood Karim (Jugantor, Bangladesh)]
EAM: So far as the concept of Regional Task Force to fight terrorism is concerned, certain regional and international mechanisms already exist. All of us are part of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions Committee of 1267 set up by the United Nations Security Council to ban the terrorist organizations when it is referred to and after the due investigations, there is a mechanism and this mechanism is used effectively from time to time. Of course, we discussed with my counterpart, Her Excellency the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, about the concept of regional architecture. There is no conflict between the regional architecture and bilateral arrangements. What is more important is the sincerity to fight the menace of terrorism. It can be achieved if we have bilateral mechanism, if we have regional mechanism, if we have global mechanism. But, if there is inability, incapability or unwillingness to tackle with the problem of terrorism and to fight against terrorism as a global issue, then the problem comes. Architecture framework does not stand in the way of fighting against terrorism whether it is bilateral or multilateral.
FM: Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has proposed this Task Force to combat terrorism and we have discussed this with Hon’ble Foreign Minister of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee this morning and we will be discussing, we will have dialogues with our other regional neighbours, our neighbours and we will discuss the modalities of doing it and how best we cooperate in combating terrorism. All the countries have their national mechanisms. In addition to that since terrorism is a problem, which is not contained by any borders, so combating terrorism also needs cross-border regional cooperation to be effective. That is why this proposal has been made and we would be holding talks with our other neighbours to find out the best modalities on how to do it. Thank you.
On the question of Bangladesh not allowing extremism in its land and the bilateral aspect of security. [Jayanto Ghoshal (Ananda Bazar Patrika, India)]:
FM: I would like to reiterate our Government’s firm stand against anyone, whoever it is, from whichever country, having whatever links with anyone, to use our country or to harm anyone in the region or anywhere else. If we have concrete information, we will be vigilant about this and if we have information regarding this we will definitely act on this.
EAM: We heard the statement of Her Excellency the Prime Minister when she made a firm commitment not to allow Bangladesh to be used by the countries or the forces inimical to India. During my discussion with Her Excellency the Foreign Minister and H.E. the Home Minister, we have been reassured of this commitment.
On the question of scheduling a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition [The News Today (Bangladesh)]
EAM: There are two questions. First whether the visit to and interaction with the Leader of the Opposition is there or not. You know this schedule is fixed as per the mutual convenience of both sides. I wanted to have this meeting, but due to paucity of time because of short duration of my stay here, it could not materialize. I have to go back. Our Parliament session is going to start within couple of days. My Prime Minister is not fully recovered. My workload in the domestic sector is so heavy that except visit to Bangladesh, I had to cancel six foreign trips, which we had between 23 January - till date. All others are cancelled because of the domestic compulsions. But I kept Bangladesh and I reduced it from two days to one. That is the reason, there is no other reason.
On the question of Trade deficit, India’s readiness to revoke the trade and non-tariff barriers and access of Indian market? [Mr. Shamimd Ahm (United News of Bangladesh)]
EAM: My answer regarding the trade imbalance. Of course, I am aware of the trade imbalance. And every time we discuss, we try explore the possibilities how this gap can be reduced, being former Foreign Trade Minister, I can tell you there is no mechanism through which bilateral trade between two countries in respect of each and every country, could be balanced. It is not possible. But it is possible to reduce the gap and to keep it within manageable limits. After my talk during my last visit, we have removed tariff barriers on number of issues. We have taken steps to reduce the non-tariff barriers on a number of items. This time, during my interaction with the Foreign Minister I have requested them to give me a list from which Bangladesh Government is interested so that we can further prune the negative list. We have already pruned the negative list. In this connection you may recall, unilaterally, we declared at the 14th SAARC Summit - India will allow large number of items without any duty from the least developed countries, including Bangladesh.
On the issue of border killing by BSF? [Shamim Ahmed, UNB]
EAM: We have discussed about Border Management. In border management the problems of exchange of fire, of course, is an important ingredient but there are other aspects and what we have discussed. This include the plan of action which was considered between the two border security forces Chiefs, the BSF and DG, BDR in the meeting that took place last time, to take it further and to work out a mechanism through which we can avoid the unpleasant and unnecessary action.
FM: We believe that the terrorists don’t have any borders, they don’t have any religion, they don’t have any nationality. They are terrorists. Whoever tries to use our territory to harm anyone we will put a stop to it. We will be vigilant. We are reassuring not just the honourable Foreign Minister of India but like to reassure all of us that we will be vigilant and we will not let anyone use our territories for any kind of terrorist activities.
On the issue of setting any trade targets for the two sides to achieve [Mr. Sagar Kulkarni (Press Trust of India)]
EAM: We have the regular mechanism of the Joint Commission, which is being chaired by two Foreign Ministers. I have requested the Foreign Minister to fix the date of the meeting of the next meeting of the Joint Commission. We could not have the meeting of the Joint Commission for quite some time. These trade figures, trade targets have been fixed at the meeting of the Joint Commission. I have requested when the Joint Commission will be meeting, I think this time we will meet in Delhi, and we are also exploring the possibility of mutually convenient dates, there we will discuss these issues.