Dhaka: Visiting Indian Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan on Monday met President Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban.

During the meeting, the president appreciated the cooperation of Indian Navy in providing training to Bangladesh Navy personnel, President's press secretary Ihsanul Karim said.

Abdul Hamid said Bangladesh Navy is maintaining friendly relationship with Indian Navy since her inception.

He said the present relations between the two countries are much closer and friendlier than ever before and this needs to be maintained for the continuous development of Bangladesh Navy.

The president emphasized bilateral exercise between Bangladesh Navy and Indian Navy on operations like search and rescue, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operation, aiming to enhance regional security and good order in the sea.

Reciprocating the Bangladesh President, Admiral RK Dhowan said both the countries have the common desire to ensure safe and secured sea to protect the two countries maritime resources and check smuggling and piracy.

The Indian navy chief underscored the need for exchanging information between the two navies.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran and secretaries concerned to the President Office were present.