"Both sides have repeatedly committed to maintaining peace along the border" Political leadership should take necessary steps to reduce the tension," he told the news agency prior to his departure for Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 33rd Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers (ICFM).

He however said one or two incidents may happen along the 4,200-km porous border between the two countries, but "unnecessary tension" should be avoided for good neighbourly relations.

Asked about recent statement by British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury about some issues related to the upcoming elections, Morshed said this might be his personal opinion. "As a friend one can advise, but there is no scope for showing any guardianship in a sovereign country."

Asked about ICFM meeting, the foreign minister said Bangladesh will stress the need for effective economic cooperation among the OIC member-states to improve lifestyle of the common people alongside implementation of the political agenda.

Bangladesh has long been pressing for Islamic common market for the benefit of the member-countries. "We will insist on identifying common economic ground and cooperation in shipping, insurance, removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers," Morshed said.

The three-day ICFM begins on June 19 against the backdrop of recent developments in the Muslim world. This meeting bears a special significance as it will pave the way for the forthcoming Islamic summit scheduled to be held in Senegal later this year with a number of important issues on the agenda.

The meeting is expected to deliberate on Palestine and Arab-Israel conflict, Middle East peace process, situation in Iraq and Afghanistan, problem of refugees in the Muslim world, reform of the United Nations, Iran and IAEA, combating international terrorism and 'Islamophobia'.