India committed to assist Bangladesh in addressing development related priorities: Mukherjee

DHAKA - Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said India is committed to provide its assistance to Bangladesh in addressing its priorities related to development.

Mukherjee arrived here on Saturday evening at Hazrat Shah Jalal International Airport to sign one billion dollar bilateral credit agreement with Bangladesh.

In his arrival statement Mukherjee said: “We (India) are committed to assisting Bangladesh in addressing its priorities for development.”

Mukherjee’s Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Maal Abdul Muhith received him at the VVIP tarmac of the airport here. He was accorded Red-carpet welcome.

Mukherjee, who is first high-profile Indian leader visiting Bangladesh since Ms. Hasina’s State visit to India’s national capital New Delhi in January, will call on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Expressing his delight over the considerable progress that has been made in the implementation of several important initiatives taken in the communiqui, Mukherjee said: “A forward looking and comprehensive joint communique been adopted by the two leaders (Ms. Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh).”

He also referred to the close bonds of friendship based on common heritage, historic, linguistic and cultural ties and said: “We need to continue to build on these commonalities and promote the well-being of our people to greater economic engagements.”

Mukherjee arrived here on just a four-hour long official visit. (ANI)