Dhaka, Mar 04 (V7N) –Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that Bangladesh-India had mutual interests and would advance their ties accordingly.
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, he said: "The position articulated by the chief adviser reflects our stance. I have previously emphasized the necessity of a constructive working relationship based on mutual respect. The rest will unfold in due course. Both sides have their respective interests and the relationship will evolve accordingly."
When asked about any updates regarding the simplification of the visa process to normalize relations with India, he responded: "Such information should come from India. We have not created visa-related complexities. Visa issuance is a sovereign prerogative. If a country decides not to grant visas to certain individuals or groups, it is within their right, and no objections can be raised. We hope they will communicate their decision to us and take measures to facilitate the process for prospective travelers."
Teesta project
Regarding the Teesta Project, an inter-ministerial meeting was recently held.
When questioned about whether the project would be awarded to China, the foreign affairs adviser clarified that no final decision has been made.
On cooperation with China, he elaborated: "There has been an existing umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning river water cooperation. This agreement has been in place for some time, and during the renewal process, both parties sought to incorporate additional elements, which caused some delays. When I visited China, the signing was anticipated. However, as both sides had supplementary concerns requiring mutual discussion, the agreement was signed as an MoU."
He further added: "Under this umbrella MoU, specific projects can certainly be undertaken. However, no definitive decision has been reached on this matter yet."
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