Cooperation to be continued with India govt: Foreign Minister

Desk Report: Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh waits to welcome the new Indian government as Dhaka maintains cordial relations with all major political parties in the world’s biggest democratic nation.

“Whoever comes to the power (in India), we will welcome them as we have good relations with all Indian political parties,” he Thursday told newsmen at the foreign ministry as counting was underway after protracted polling process in India.

Momen said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first foreign leader who called his Bangladesh counterpart soon after the re-election of her ruling Awami League in the last election.

“So, if he (Modi) comes (to power), we will welcome him in the same manner,” he said.

The minister said the Dhaka’s ties with Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was excellent and “we hope our development will be expedited, if Modi government comes to power again.”

Momen said Dhaka, however, would like to see a strong stable Indian government in its own interest to spearhead its development spree.

“We (Bangladesh) are in the trajectory of development . . . at this stage we want stable government in every neighboring country of South Asia,” he said.

Asked for comments about the outstanding Teesta river water sharing issue, Momen said, “everything will be materialized, if there is friendship we can achieve all”.

Modi looked on course for a major victory in India’s election, with early trends from the election commission showing a clear lead for his party. _BSS

risingbd/Dhaka/May 23, 2019/AKA