Monday, September 5 2005 20:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Dhaka: The proposal to lay a tri-nation gas pipeline from Myanmar to India through Bangladesh is "moving forward", visiting Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar said here today (Sept 5, 2005).

The three countries of the region earlier appreciated the high importance of the pipeline project for their economic development, he said. "My impression is that things are moving forward", Aiyar told reporters after an hour-long meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Morshed Khan.

Foreign Advisor Reaz Rahman, Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Veena Sikri were also present at the meeting. Aiyar, who arrived here earlier today, said Bangladesh has the potential to contribute to creating energy security in the Indian sub-continent.

"Everyone in the region is looking to creating an energy security and Bangladesh has the energy potential", he said.