Indian President Pranab Mukherjee called Bangladesh his country’s closest friend and said the utmost importance was attached to their relationship.
Pranab was meeting a delegation of Bangladesh Foreign Service trainee officers on Friday when he made the remark.
He expressed his delight in meeting the "worthy representatives of a great nation," reports the
Press Trust of India.
"Bangladesh is India's closest friend and our relationship is exemplary in many ways. India and Bangladesh share a common bond of history, language, culture and strong interpersonal ties," the Indian president said.
“This shared history unites us in unique and special ways," Pranab went on to say.
President Pranab further said he was confident that the trainee officers would give enough effort to maintain the harmony between the two countries.
As Bangladesh is now liberated after the sacrifices of its martyrs, the country is engaged in its own development vindicating the sacrifices, the president added.
Reminding the young diplomats about being responsible for Bangladesh’s future, Pranab said: "It is heartening to see impressive strides made by Bangladesh on human development, health-care, education, women’s empowerment and other socio-economic fronts."