Saturday, August 6 2005 12:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: Describing Bangladesh as a valued neighbor of India, External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh yesterday (Aug 5, 2005) said he would address issues on which the two countries have differing perceptions and focus on the enormous potential for mutual benefit besides discussing the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) agenda during his three-day stay in Dhaka.

"It gives me great pleasure to be here in Dhaka. This is my first visit and I have looked forward to visiting this historic capital," Singh told reporters upon arrival at the Zia International airport.

"I have come at the invitation of my esteemed colleague and dear friend honorable Foreign Minister Morshed Khan," he said adding they would have 'extensive talks'.

"We will review the existing state of our bilateral relations and explore how we can further deepen and enlarge their scope. While we will address those issues on which we have differing perceptions, we will focus on the enormous untapped potential for mutual benefit of our peoples," Singh said.

Singh said his visit to Dhaka is part of the ongoing dialogue "With this important and valued neighbor, Bangladesh."

"ZI look forward to conveying the warm and cordial greetings of the Indian leadership to her Excellency the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (Begum Khaleda Zia). We look forward to an early visit to India by the honorable Prime Minister," he said.

Singh said he would be calling on leader of opposition Sheikh Hasina and meeting other senior Bangladeshi leaders.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Hemayatuddin warmly received the External Affairs Minister.

Singh's trip will be the first by a Cabinet minister since the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government assumed office last year.

A host of issues including the problem of the presence of Northeastern insurgent groups operating from Bangladesh

A host of issues, including the problem of the presence of northeastern insurgent groups operating from Bangladesh, illegal migration, border fencing and India-Bangladesh-Myanmar gas pipeline are expected to come up during the parleys.

"The Government of India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Bangladesh," he said, adding that during his meetings he will reaffirm this commitment and reiterate India's willingness to continue and further the process of sustained and constructive engagement, for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries," he said.

Singh said he would also discuss the SAARC agenda.

The SAARC summit is slated to take place in November this year and will be attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The SAARC summit was postponed for the first time in January in the wake of the tsunami tragedy hitting three countries of the seven-member grouping India, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

The second time India pulled out citing the deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, a decision that did not go down well with the dispensation in Dhaka.

In his remarks yesterday, the External Affairs Minister said the Government and people of India remain steadfast in their support to the people of Bangladesh and to promote our good relations, peace and mutual prosperity.

"In this era of globalisation India is also committed to friendly cooperation with Bangladesh in the regional and multilateral fora."