DHAKA, Sept 13: Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi held discussions with Bangladesh Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Sunday, focusing on strengthening cooperation and maintaining friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries.
The meeting was also attended by Bangladesh State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, according to a statement issued by the ministry.
During the courtesy call, Trivedi and Anee exchanged views on a range of bilateral matters and explored ways to further strengthen engagement between the two countries.
The discussions also highlighted the longstanding historical, cultural and heritage links shared by India and Bangladesh. Both sides expressed their commitment to building on existing ties and taking relations forward in line with the interests of their peoples.
The Indian High Commission said the meeting underlined the importance of continued engagement between the neighbouring countries to advance their shared aspirations.
The official statements issued after the meeting did not mention pending water-sharing matters involving common rivers or the renewal of the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which is scheduled to expire in December this year.
River water management has remained a significant component of relations between the two countries, particularly concerning the Ganges and Teesta.
India and Bangladesh reached an interim understanding on sharing Teesta waters in 2011, but the proposed arrangement has not been formally concluded due to opposition from the West Bengal government.