Bangladesh places special importance on its relationship with India as its closest neighbour and a key trade and development partner, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said today.

"Bangladesh is committed to maintaining a respectful and forward-looking partnership with India while upholding sovereign equality, national interest, dignity and public welfare," the president said during a meeting with India's newly appointed High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Dinesh Trivedi, at the Bangabhaban.

According to President's Press Secretary Sarwar Alam, Shahabuddin expressed hope that the new envoy's tenure would further strengthen bilateral ties and make them more beneficial for both countries.

The president also stressed the need to increase people-to-people contacts and pursue positive initiatives to resolve outstanding issues, including those related to the border.

Trivedi said Bangladesh and India share a friendly relationship and reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation.

On border issues, the Indian envoy noted that recent talks between senior officials of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and India's Border Security Force (BSF) had been productive. He said such meetings should be held more regularly to help resolve border-related concerns quickly.

The high commissioner also conveyed greetings from India's president and leadership, which Shahabuddin reciprocated through him.

Trivedi sought the cooperation of both the president and the people of Bangladesh during his tenure. Shahabuddin wished him success and assured full support in strengthening ties between the two neighbours.