Various Issues will be discussed during Indian Prez’s visit: Bangladesh FM
Dhaka: Bangladesh Foreign Minister, A. K. Abdul Momen on Tuesday said various issues will be discussed with Indian President Ram Nath Kovind during his visit here. Speaking at a virtual press conference, Momen said India is a true friend of Bangladesh since 1971 War of Independence.
He said the Indian President is coming to Dhaka on a three-day visit from December 15.
President Kovind has been invited to attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh independence on December 16. The Foreign Minister further said issues of Bangladesh will be openly discussed with the Indian President.
Speaking on the vaccines from India, he said “There is no doubt that the rest of vaccines, which were part of the agreement signed between both countries in November last year, will be given by India soon.” Bangladesh had reached a tripartite agreement in November last year to buy 30 million doses of the coxavirus vaccine Covishield from the Serum Institute. According to the agreement, 5 million doses of vaccine were to be given every month.
On January 25, 50 lakh doses of the first consignment and on February 23, 20 lakh doses of the second consignment came to Bangladesh. Besides, Bangladesh received 20 lakh more doses on January 21 and 12 lakh doses of Covishield on March 26 as a gift from the Indian government.
However, during the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic in India the government had banned the export of vaccines.
The Foreign Minister said the tourist visa, which were stopped amid Covid-19 pandemic, will soon begin to be re-issued. Foreign Secretary Masood Bin Momen said President Kovind’s visit is formal and there will be no agreement signed.
