Says Dipu Moni

Foreign Minister Dipu Moni yesterday expressed her belief that the trial of war criminals would not, by any means, affect Bangladesh’s bilateral relations with Pakistan.

“Bangladesh would try its own citizens for war crimes through a fair judicial process adhering to the highest international standards,” she said when newly appointed Pakistan High Commissioner Ashraf Qureshi called on her at the foreign ministry in the city.

Welcoming the new high commissioner, Dipu Moni expressed the hope that the two countries would soon be able to resolve outstanding issues like formal apologies by the Pakistan government for the atrocities committed in 1971, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis and division of assets.

The foreign minister said that Bangladesh values its relations with Pakistan and suggested that the high commissioner may explore various avenues of bilateral cooperation and promote greater exchange and better understanding between the two peoples.

They also discussed further strengthening of relations both bilaterally and within the framework of Saarc and exchanged views to set in motion the bilateral institutional mechanisms, including Foreign Office consultations.

Underscoring the need to address trade imbalance, Dipu Moni said the two countries should make use of ample potential for enhancing bilateral trade. “Pakistan may take steps to reduce high tariff on import of jute products from Bangladesh,” she pointed out.

The foreign minister also invited Pakistani entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh in different sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, ICT, telecom and agro industries.

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