|
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri has said the long-standing Indo-Bangla bilateral issues must be depoliticised and looked into with utmost seriousness for their settlement, reports BDNEWS.
"The issues should be looked at in a serious way. If the politicians want to solve the problems, they should look for solution through dialogue. And a constant engagement in dialogue is the only way for a good solution," she told the news agency in an exclusive interview ahead of Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's visit to India, which begins March 20.
Asked about the major issues to come up for discussion between Khaleda Zia and her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh when they meet in New Delhi, Veena said all aspects of the bilateral relations would be discussed between the two leaders.
"It is a good opportunity to discuss all aspects of the relationship. And of course there will be issues that we can move forward."
She said they are looking forward to signing a good number of agreements including one on trade, one on bilateral investment protection and promotion and the other on cooperation to prevent illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
There will also be a long-term extension of the agreement on water transit.
Asked how India sees this visit that comes four and a half years after Khaleda Zia came to power through a landslide victory in 2001 elections, the Indian envoy said they were waiting for the visit.
She said India gives importance to the relationship with important neighbours like Bangladesh and the invitation for the visit was made soon after Khaleda Zia took office in 2001 through a special envoy from New Delhi. In the subsequent years the invitation was conveyed repeatedly. In last August, the former Indian External Affairs Minister made the invitation once again, she added.
She said Manmohan Singh during the SAARC Summit in Dhaka had said prosperity and development of Bangladesh is important to India.
She said India would like to see Bangladesh as a stable, peaceful and prosperous neighbour. "We not only share a common border, but also common her itage, history and values."
In reply to a question regarding India's proposed bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Veena said Bangladesh has unbalanced trade with many other countries, but that does not become a political issue. "Why this would become a political issue when it is India?"
She said India put forward the proposal of FTA out of full friendship and good faith. "I think open discussion is the only way to reach and solve the problems. I will not appreciate a discussion through the media without a bilateral discussion. This is not a good idea."
Veena said she recognises the concerns made by Bangladesh with regards to FTA and prefers open government-to-government discussion. "If you have other proposal, we are ready to discuss. Now the Bangladesh Prime Minister will meet our Prime Minister and we will discuss it and we hope substantial outcome will be there."
In response to questions on Bangladesh's concerns on the trade deficit, removal of non-tariff and para-tariff barriers, she said the problem arises when "you do not look for a long-term solution and engage in constant dialogue."
In reply to a question on sharing waters of the common rivers, Veena said it is a complex issue and also an emotional one.
She said after the signing of Ganges water sharing treaty, India looked forward to resolving similar issues with the same spirit. But the issue must be depoliticised for a settlement, she said, adding Bangladesh is a water surplus country, but have problem of water management and siltation where India can help.
Asked about the planned visit of Indian Water Resource Minister to Bangladesh, she said they are "very keen" on this matter and regular consultation is going on.
|