Dhaka pushes for delimitation of maritime boundary

Friday, 01 January 2010 14:57 Siddique Islam


Mizzima (Dhaka) - The delimitation of maritime boundaries between neighboring countries is essential in order to secure Bangladesh’s access to natural resources in the Bay of Bengal, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni said on Wednesday.

The Foreign Minister made the remark when Burmese Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Maung Myint paid her a courtesy call at the Foreign Ministry in the capital Dhaka, as Rangoon is party to the delimitation dispute.

The Bangladeshi Foreign Minister expressed the hope that both countries would be able to resolve the issue in a time-bound manner, according to a Foreign Ministry press statement.

The next round of maritime boundary delimitation talks between Bangladesh and Burma will be held in the port city Chittagong from January 8th to 9th, against the backdrop of a recent fracas centering on each country unilaterally trying to explore for gas in undemarcated areas of the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister also stressed early resolution of the Burmese refugee issue, while Burma’s Deputy Foreign Minister expressed his government’s desire to take back verified refugees.

On Tuesday, the Burmese junta agreed to take back 9,000 Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh as soon as possible.

The meeting also covered the enhancement of bilateral trade, improving road and air connectivity, relaxation of visa procedures for businessmen and developing institutional consultation mechanisms between border guard forces, according to the statement.

Recalling her recent visit to Burma, for the 12th BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting, Dipu Moni said, “It is important to hold regular contacts between the two sides at all levels.”

She also expressed her government’s commitment to resolve all differences with Burma in a spirit of friendship and cordiality.

Burma’s Ambassador to Dhaka, Phae Thann Oo, accompanied Maung Myint in his visit. Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Rangoon, Major General Anup Kumar Chakma, was also present.