Monday, September 5 2005 14:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: Bangladesh has the potential to contribute to creating energy security in the Indian sub-continent, India's Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said today (Sept 5, 2005).

Aiyar, who arrived here to discuss issues of bilateral interest including the proposed three-nation pipeline from Myanmar to India via Bangladesh, said, "Everyone in the region was looking to creating an energy security and Bangladesh has the energy potential."

Diplomatic sources said Aiyar would meet Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Opposition leader Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Finance Minister Saifur Rahman, Foreign Minister Khan and Energy Ministry Advisor Mahmudur Rahman during his daylong visit.

The focus of his talks was likely to be the proposed three-nation gas pipeline issue, for which Dhaka had earlier set conditions including corridor to carry out trade with other neighbours, reports said.

Aiyar, who is here on an invitation by Foreign Minister Morshed Khan, was welcomed by Indian High Commissioner VeenaSikri and other top officials at the airport. Aiyar had to use wheelchair to get off the aircraft because of an injury in his right leg. Visit by an influential minister like Aiyar after Indian External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh's trip to the country was seen important in the context of Indo-Bangladesh bilateral relations, analysts said.