CA tells Myanmar envoy
Unb, Dhaka

Chief Adviser (CA) Fakhruddin Ahmed has said Bangladesh is willing to resolve the issues of repatriation of the Rohingya refugees and maritime border demarcation with Myanmar through discussion.

The head of the caretaker government said this when outgoing Myanmar Ambassador U Nyan Lynn made farewell call on him at his office yesterday.

Emphasising exchange of high-level visits between the two neighbouring countries, the CA said he is looking forward to the visit of Vice-Chairman of State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar General Maung Aye to Bangladesh. The visit was tentatively scheduled to take place last year but, for unavoidable circumstances, was postponed, according to an official.

The ambassador said General Maung Aye is likely to visit Bangladesh by the end of this year.

The CA said Bangladesh is interested in early conclusion of farming agreement with Myanmar for using its arable land for cooperation in the field of agriculture.

He also stressed the need for cooperation between the two countries for direct banking arrangement and enriching shipping link to promote trade.

On road link, the CA said Bangladesh is keen to open the trans-border land route through Myanmar to China, which will help the people in the region.

The envoy said road link will facilitate trade and people-to-people contact as well. He said Myanmar has indicated China about the tripartite road link.

The CA said annual consultation between Bangladesh and Myanmar will be held regularly for further strengthening the bilateral relations.

The envoy thanked the chief adviser for sending relief materials to Myanmar soon after the powerful cyclone 'Nargis' hit the country in May.

The CA expressed heartfelt sympathy for the people of Myanmar and their government over deaths, injuries and widespread loss of property in the cyclone. “Bangladesh, as a next-door neighbour, will stand beside Myanmar in its challenging time,” he said.

He also expressed his gratitude as Myanmar had sent rice to Bangladesh after cyclone 'Sidr, according to CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim.
   
Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=43066