The President of Bangladesh, Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed told newly appointed Burmese ambassador U Phe Than Oo that Bangladesh was keen to solve the maritime border dispute with Burma as soon as possible.

"Finalization of the country's maritime border with Myanmar is needed in the interest of the two neighboring states," the president said.

The president made the assertion when the newly appointed Burmese ambassador to Bangladesh presented his credentials to him at Bangabhaban, the president's office in Dhaka.

The issue is important for Bangladesh, which wants to finalize demarcation of the maritime border with Burma so that it can move forward with offshore oil and gas exploration in its own waters.

"It is important for Bangladesh to solve the problem with Burma, so the president brought it up in the meeting with the new Burmese envoy," said an analyst in Dhaka.

Bangladesh strongly believes that Burma and India have intruded into its waters in the Bay of Bengal in their exploration for gas and oil.

During the meeting, the Bangladesh president also brought up other issues such as trade, road links between Rangoon and Dhaka, and the Rohingya refugee situation.

On trade issues, the president said there is a scope for further expanding the trade relations between the two countries. He added, "Burma would benefit from increasing imports of pharmaceuticals and other products including melamine, leather, and jute goods from Bangladesh at very competitive prices."

On the refugee issue, the president expressed hope that the long-standing issue of Rohingya refugees would be solved through bilateral negotiations, adding that, "I am happy to know that Myanmar's Vice Senior General Maung Aye is expected to visit Bangladesh next October."

The president also expressed hope that relations between the two countries would reach new heights of excellence during the tenure of the new envoy to Bangladesh.

According to an official source, the Burmese envoy expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for supporting Burma in securing observer status in the SAARC.

U Phe Than Oo also thanked Bangladesh for providing relief materials and medical support in the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis in Burma. He was also appreciative of Bangladesh's success in preparing voter identity cards with photographs.

Upon his arrival at Bangabhaban, a contingent of the President's Guard Regiment gave the new Burmese envoy a guard of honor. #

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