Tuesday, June 21 2005 11:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Foreign Secretaries of India and Bangladesh met in New Delhi today (Jun 21, 2005) to discuss a host of issues covering the border row, infiltration and cooperation in water resources.

During the much-deferred two-day meeting, the two countries are expected to review the entire gamut of issues to strengthen mutually beneficial and friendly relations. Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran is heading the Indian delegation while Bangladeshi side is led by his counterpart Mohd Hemayetuddin.

The meeting is taking place after a gap of 15 months.

The issues on the table include security, border management, cross-border movements, cooperation in water resources, economic cooperation, Defence exchanges, consular and cultural exchanges and other matters of common interest.

Ahead of the meeting, Hemayetuddin said Dhaka attached considerable importance to the deliberations.

Observing that he has an "open, fresh and positive mind" for consultations with Saran, he said, "We will discuss all issues of bilateral interest and cooperation."

"We are looking for a positive consultation and attaching considerable importance to the meeting which is also significant for our foreign policy," Hemayetuddin, who was Dhaka's envoy to New Delhi before becoming the Foreign Secretary, said.