Modi invites PM Tarique, his family
Diplomatic Correspondent :
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit India at a mutually convenient time.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla handed over Modi’s letter when he called on Prime Minister Rahman following the swearing-in ceremony at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday.
“I take this opportunity to invite you, along with Dr Zubaida Rahman and your daughter Zaima, on a visit to India at a mutually convenient time. A warm welcome awaits you in India,” Modi wrote.
In the letter, the Indian prime minister extended warm congratulations to Rahman on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s landslide victory in the recent parliamentary elections and on his assumption of office.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to you on the victory of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party at the just concluded parliamentary elections in Bangladesh and on your appointment as Prime Minister of Bangladesh,” he said.
Modi wished Rahman success in discharging the responsibilities of his office, describing the electoral victory as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in his leadership by the people of Bangladesh.
“Your victory is a testimony to the trust and confidence reposed by the people of Bangladesh in your leadership and their mandate for your vision to take the country forward on the path of peace, stability and prosperity,” he added.
Highlighting the close ties between the two neighbours, Modi noted that India and Bangladesh share a deep-rooted friendship founded on common history, cultural linkages and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity.
“The strong convergence between our respective developmental priorities shall serve as a guiding principle for our future cooperation,” he wrote.
The Indian prime minister said he looked forward to working closely with Bangladesh’s new leadership to strengthen multifaceted bilateral relations, enhance regional cooperation and advance cooperation across connectivity, trade, technology, education, skills development, energy, healthcare and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
“As two fast-growing economies and aspiring societies, India and Bangladesh can truly become catalysts for each other’s sustainable growth, work for each other’s security and enable mutual prosperity,” Modi said.
He also conveyed his best wishes for Prime Minister Rahman’s good health and success, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh.