If Not Today, Then Tomorrow; If Not Tomorrow, Then the Day After: Trivedi Regarding PM’s India Visit
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi has said that a high-level meeting between Bangladesh and India will take place either today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. He said India has always kept a standing invitation for the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to visit India, and the Prime Minister is also aware of it. Therefore, the two countries will continue to maintain the existing course of relations and good ties.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo at the Secretariat on Monday. Expressing optimism again about Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to India, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Dinesh Trivedi also said, “We are extremely confident. Everything will be arranged at the right time.”
Dinesh Trivedi said Bangladesh and India share the same intention, which is to remain true good neighbours.
“We always say that we do not only share a border, we share the same dreams. Both countries are independent, sovereign and vibrant democracies,” he said.On the precondition for talks between the top leadership of the two countries, the High Commissioner said there is no reason for mutual trust and cooperation between Bangladesh and India to stop.
“The high-level meeting may not happen today, but it will happen tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow. But since our work and intentions remain the same, it is more important to move forward with practical work rather than repeatedly talking about the same issues, and to strengthen people-to-people relations,” he said.
Earlier, the Indian High Commissioner’s meeting with Abdul Awal Mintoo covered various issues related to the environment and weather, as well as wildlife. On these issues, Mr. Trivedi said, “There is no border or visa requirement for air, rivers, climate or wildlife. Therefore, these borderless challenges must be addressed through joint efforts.” He said the path to enjoying benefits such as clean air and blue skies cannot be created in a day and must be maintained forever.
He added that even before formal bilateral talks, there would be specific progress at the official level of the two countries on important issues such as carbon credits, protecting the Sundarbans and managing elephant corridors. Meanwhile, responding to questions from journalists, Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo also agreed with the Indian High Commissioner’s views.
He said the interests of the people of the two countries, as well as their commercial and environmental interdependence, are far more fundamental than political or administrative equations. Therefore, he said, cooperation between the two sides will not come to a standstill, and discussions at the official level and joint initiatives will continue.
