External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday presented a cream colour saree to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who in return gifted the famous Bangladeshi Jamdani saree to the visiting Indian leader. Swaraj, who is on her first standalone overseas visit after taking office a month ago, called on Hasina, who received her at the reception of her office, departing from the normal protocol. Hasina hugged Swaraj and while gifting the saree she said that this was bought by her sister. Swaraj discussed key bilateral issues with Hasina. Swaraj, who arrived here on Wednesday night, met Hasina after holding talks with her Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on key bilateral issues, including land Boundary Agreement and proposed Teesta river water sharing deal, during which the Indian side also raised the matter of illegal immigration. India and Bangladesh also discussed extradition of criminals and prisoners in each other’s captivity, including UlFA leader Anoop Chetia.
Though there are no pacts to be signed and no big expectations, the trip, which is termed as a “goodwill” visit, is aimed at taking forward the bilateral ties which are on a “positive trajectory” for past few years.
Swaraj was assisted by Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and senior ministry officials during her talks with Ali. Among other issues the meeting also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in important areas including economic. On the “touchy” issues of lBA and Teesta river, the Indian side may not have “clear answers”, but the effort would be to assure Bangladesh side of Indian Government’s positive intention.
Swaraj also called on Bangladesh’s President Abdul Hamid and discussed issues of mutual interest.“The President congratulated Ms Sushma Swaraj on assumption of the high office of external affairs minister and expressed the hope that her visit will further strengthen friendly relations between the two nations,” a presidential palace spokesman said.