Dhaka: Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali on Wednesday met his Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi and discussed various bilateral issues, including water and security, according to a UNB report.

The two ministers at the meeting, held at the office of Indian External Affairs Minister, discussed various issues of Bangladesh-India bilateral relations, including water resources, trade and commerce, security and border management.

They agreed to have the next meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission (JCC), co-chaired by the two Ministers, in Dhaka in July this year, according to a message received here from New Delhi.

The Foreign Minister is currently in New Delhi to attend the first meeting of the Raisina Dialogue being held in New Delhi from March 1-3 March with the participation of a large number of countries in the Asia Pacific region to discuss, among others, ways and means to achieve increased connectivity and regional security.

On Tuesday evening, the Foreign Minister addressed the opening session of the dialogue with dignitaries like Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai and former President of Seychelles Sir James Mancham.

Mahmood Ali reiterated Bangladesh’s abiding commitment to peace, progress and prosperity in the region and extended its support for creating an area of peace in South Asia where all can live side by side as good neighbours.

‘With concerted efforts from all parties, we’re determined to build a peaceful, cooperative and more prosperous South Asia of the 21^st century. Otherwise, we’ll be held responsible to our posterity,’ he said.

Laying emphasis on deepening friendship with neighbours, Mahmood Ali

said, ‘As for us, we want to cooperate with all concerned for creating an area of peace in South Asia where we could live side by side as good neighbours and pursue constructive policies for the benefit of our peoples.’

He said history will not forgive them if they fail in the ‘challenging task’.

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister is scheduled to return home on Thursday.