The first-ever foreign secretary-level talks between the two next-door neigbours were held in Yangon. Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin led the Bangladesh side while Deputy Foreign Minister U Kyaw Thu led the Myanmar side.

"Both sides have agreed that the outstanding issues should be resolved amicably and if good understanding between the two countries prevails, resolving the issues are not so difficult," a communiqué of Bangladesh mission in Yangon said.

It said the two sides freely and frankly discussed all bilateral issues, including refugee repatriation, border security, trade and investment, and issues related to the maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin stressed that maintaining good relation with neigbours is one of the basics of Bangladesh foreign policy and underscored the importance of Bangladesh bilateral relations with Myanmar from that point of view.

Hemayet said alongside "look east policy" Myanmar as a neigbour is also important to Bangladesh.

Sharing the views, Myanmar deputy foreign minister emphasised enhancing cooperation bilaterally and multilaterally.

Before the bilateral talks, Mayanmar's deputy foreign minister and the foreign secretary held an exclusive tete-a-tete at Hotel Nikko Royal Lake. During the meeting, Hemayet discussed some important issues of common concern.

After the talks, the foreign secretary called on Myanmar Foreign Minister Nyan Win at his office.

Bangladesh Ambassador Khairuzzaman, Additional Secretary of the Home Ministry Mohammad Mohsin, Joint Secretary of the Food Ministry and Commissioner of Refugee Repatriation Commission, Shoyebur Rahman and Defence Attaché of Bangladesh Embassy in Yangon Brig Gen Shawkat Jamal were, among others, present in the official talks from Bangladesh side.

The Myanmar delegation was composed of U Pey Than Oo, director general of the Foreign Ministry, Lt Col Win Myint, Ministry of Defence, U Htay Iilaing, director, Ministry of Immigration and Population, U Myo Oo, deputy director general of the Commerce Ministry, U Maung Nyein, managing director of the Transport Ministry and U Sai Thein Maung, deputy managing director of the Ministry of Construction.