Begum Matia Chowdhury, Agriculture Minister of Bangladesh called on the President Shri Pranab Mukherjee on November 7, 2012.

Begum Matia Chowdhury is in India to explore cooperation in the field of agriculture between India and Bangladesh.

The President said India and Bangladesh enjoy close and friendly relations. Multifaceted cooperation between the two countries has further strengthened through a number of initiatives taken by both sides over the recent past. The President conveyed to the Agriculture Minister that India would be happy to extend every assistance possible to Bangladesh in the field of agriculture. He expressed satisfaction over progress in India and Bangladesh relations in recent times and expressed warm appreciation for the Government of Bangladesh's efforts in this regard. The President told the Agriculture Minister that India is a natural and primary development partner of Bangladesh. India is happy to contribute and participate in Bangladesh's development. He added that he was glad to meet her at this important period when the bilateral relationship is at an all time high. He asked Begum Chowdhury to convey his greetings to President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

This release issued at 1345 hrs.