MEA briefs media on Sushma Swaraj's visit to Bangladesh

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Wednesday briefed the media about the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to Bangladesh.

On being asked whether Teesta River water sharing deal with Bangladesh was discussed, Akbaruddin said, "Let me tell you that the External Affairs Minister is preparing very diligently for her first solo visit to any country. As part of the preparation she did speak to the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee earlier this afternoon."

On Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), which is a prickly issue that has been scuttled earlier by Mamata Banerjee's opposition on this sensitive issue, the MEA spokesperson, " This is a matter which is now with parliament, it's in the Rajya Sabha. It will be discussed there."

On issue fake currency reported in Tripura, "Let me assure you all issues of importance will be discussed. What is friendship about, its about cordiality and response to each others concerns."

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is paying a goodwill visit to Bangladesh from June 25 to June 27.

Swaraj's visit comes at the invitation of her Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, which reflects the importance that India attaches to its bilateral relationship with Bangladesh, a close friend and neighbour.

During the visit, the minister will hold discussions on bilateral issues with Ali and also call on President of Bangladesh Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

She will also have engagement with think tanks, chambers of commerce and industry and cultural organisations.

The visit will give further momentum to the close and friendly relationship between India and Bangladesh.