India to develop friendly ties with Bangladesh: Pranab

The Indian external affairs minister is in Dhaka to extend a formal invitation to President Iajuddin Ahmed for the 14th SAARC summit.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Monday said India will continue to develop good neighbourly and friendly relations with Bangladesh.

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Mukherjee is on a day-long visit to Dhaka to extend a formal invitation to Bangladesh President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed for the 14th SAARC summit to be held in New Delhi.

"Though my visit is in the context of the forthcoming SAARC Summit, I intend to reiterate the high importance attached by India to our relations with Bangladesh," the minister said.

He said India wishes that Bangladesh will also continue to work towards developing good relations between the two countries.

During his stay here, Mukherjee is also expected to call on Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's caretaker government Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed, who is expected to lead that country's delegation to the SAARC summit.

Mr Mukherjee will also meet former Bangladesh Prime Ministers Khaleda Zia and Sheikh Hasina before his departure for New Delhi this