A youth delegation from Bangladesh called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (December 5, 2016) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, the President warmly welcomed the youth delegation from Bangladesh. He said that India and Bangladesh share common history, culture and struggle against British imperialism. He congratulated the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka for this initiative. He said that this type of exchange helps people of both countries to know each other more intimately and share their thoughts, beliefs and faiths. He said that he has visited Bangladesh a number of times. After assuming the office of President of India, Bangladesh was the first country that he had visited and he fondly recalled this visit which took place in 2013. He said that he was sure that the spirit of love, affection and understanding which will be the result of this exchange programme will create a unifying bridge between the two countries. He said that people of the two countries should move and work together.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka in co-ordination with the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Government of Bangladesh organizes the visit of Bangladeshi Youth Delegation to India every year since 2012. The exchange programme involves interaction with local youth, visits to tourist and cultural sites and introduction to economic and social activities.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion was Shri Vijay Goel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

This release issued at 1945 hrs.