Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh yesterday met Awami League (AL) chief Hasina at her Sudha Sadan residence, where she told the Indian minister ties between two neighbouring nations should never be a part of domestic politics.

"Relations with neighbours should never be affected regardless of which party is in power," Hasina's Political Secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury quoting her as saying.

During the 45-minute talks, she also urged the governments of Bangladesh and India to resolve all disputes between the two countries through discussion.

Asked about agenda of the meeting with Hasina, Singh only said, "We did not discuss politics."

"When there is good faith and trust between neighbours, all problems can be resolved amicably as the Ganges Water Treaty, 1997

clearly demonstrates," Saber told The Daily Star after the meeting.

"We don't want to make any comment about the present relations between Bangladesh and India," he added.

"However, it's a positive sign the Indian foreign minister is visiting Bangladesh despite the 'existing state of relations' between the two countries.

"We hope the government will take the opportunity to improve relations with India," he added.

AL General Secretary Abdul Jalil while briefing journalists said, "It was only a courtesy call."

He said Hasina recalled Indian cooperation for signing the Ganges Water Treaty and Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Accords when the AL was in power.

"The Awami League chief also recalled contributions made by the government and people of India during the Liberation War," Jalil added.

He said the meeting did not discuss the present political situation in Bangladesh.

AL leaders Zillur Rahman, Kazi Zafarullah and Syed Abul Hossain accompanied Hasina and Indian Foreign Secretary Saran and High Commissioner Sikri the visiting minister.

BDNEWS adds: A good number of civil society leaders had a breakfast meeting with Singh at Hotel Sonargaon yesterday.

During the meeting, they discussed development and cooperation and different bilateral issues, meeting sources said.

Dr Muhammad Yunus, Barrister Rokanuddin Mahmud, daily Jugantor editor Abed Khan, Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman and Hamida Hossain, among others, were present.