After the two-day 6TH home secretary-level talks, which went on until the small hours yesterday in New Delhi, Bangladesh's Home Secretary Sarfaraj Hossain and his Indian counterpart VK Duggal signed off on the minutes of the marathon session of talks covering areas of bilateral security concerns and border management.

Both the home secretaries told the press yesterday that the talks were constructive with a positive frame of mind. There is goodwill on both sides and they will have to find ways to exploit it. Relations between the neighbours should be at their best always, they added.

The neighbouring countries also stressed the need for early signing of the agreement for co-operation in combating the menace of drugs and narcotics, particularly Phensidyle, said a joint statement issued yesterday after the talks held on October 27-28.

During the discussion, all issues were approached on the basis of mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's position and sensitivities. Both sides noted that the relations between India and Bangladesh are multifaceted and rich in its content and scope.

They recognised that further strengthening of these relations will not only be in the larger interests of the two friendly countries, but will also make an important contribution to the peace, progress and prosperity of all their peoples.

The two countries, they agreed, had a shared stake in enhancing understanding and promoting co-operation with specific initiatives in all key areas of their bilateral relations.

They agreed to work on security related issues closely. They also agreed that all possible measures will be taken to prevent smuggling of arms and explosives. The Bangladesh side clarified that media reports about India's involvement in the August 17 blasts do not reflect the official position of the Government of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh side also mentioned that the investigation was on.

The issue of fencing at the border was also discussed. Bangladesh requested the Indian side to provide specific details of the places where fencing is proposed to be erected within 150 yards of the international border.

On trans-border crimes, the two countries agreed to the need for enhanced vigilance and action to contain trans-border crimes. They stated that neither of the governments encourages any type of smuggling and both are determined to effectively curb smuggling.

The Indian side proposed a high-level meeting to discuss the problem of 'illegal cross-border movement from Bangladesh' and to come up with a suitable mechanism or protocol. Both sides agreed to provide consular access to their arrested nationals on a reciprocal basis.

On resumption of the meetings of Joint Boundary Working Groups, Bangladesh has agreed to convey the dates for the early meetings of the JBWGs after Saarc Summit.

Regarding an extradition treaty and agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Bangladesh said it would expedite its response to the Indian proposals.

On review of Revised Travel Arrangements (RTA) signed in 2001, the Bangladesh side noted the Indian suggestion to set up a Joint Committee to review the RTA, which is due for revision in May, 2006.

Various other issues of mutual interest were also discussed in a spirit of friendliness and co-operation.