Sunday, March 20 2005 13:52 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: Existing "problems" between India and Bangladesh should be solved through mutual understanding as the two neighbours enjoy "very good" bilateral ties, newly-appointed Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin said.

"The problems between the two countries would have to be addressed in the spirit of mutual understanding by perceiving each other's concern and positions," Hemayetuddin, who uses only one name, told reporters in Dhaka last night (March 19, 2005).

He said Bangladesh believes in "strong bilateral ties with neighbours and maintains relations with India also in the spirit of understanding and cooperation as well as further strengthening existing ties."

"We have very good relations with India," Hemayetuddin, who was Bangladesh's envoy to New Delhi before taking up his new position as the Foreign Secretary, said.

Hemayetuddin succeeded Shamser Mobin Chowdhury who has been appointed Bangladesh's Ambassador to the US.