Indian Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her zero-tolerance against terrorism that brought forth peace and security in the entire South Asian region, especially to the north-eastern states of India.

He also expressed his satisfaction for the excellent bilateral relationship which has been strengthened in recent years.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen met the Indian vice president in New Delhi on Monday and discussed the issues of mutual interest, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Indian vice president said the relationship between Bangladesh and India is based on mutual trust and Bangladesh occupies a special place in the foreign policy outlook of India, as both the countries are linked by shared history, culture, tradition, language and common values.

The vice president also congratulated Bangladesh on the economic success the country achieved in the past decade under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and wished for working together for further prosperity in the days to come.

He particularly praised the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government to ensure women empowerment and participation in economic activities.

The foreign minister also met the Petroleum, Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

The two Ministers discussed the existing collaboration of both the countries in the areas of energy cooperation namely- nuclear energy, renewables like solar and wind, LNG, LPG, diesel etc.

They also discussed the evolving global situation with a particular focus on the energy demand and supply discourse.

Both the ministers stressed on the need to ensure energy security and energy cooperation in the sub-region.

The Indian petroleum minister proposed to hold regular meetings and dialogues for further solidifying the existing collaboration and exploring new areas of cooperation in the energy sector.

Earlier on Sunday, Momen met the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles of India Piyush Goyal.

Both the ministers expressed satisfaction that bilateral trade has recorded significant growth during the last few years.

Foreign Minister Momen stated that Indian business houses can take advantage of investing in Bangladesh particularly in the SEZ dedicated for the Indian investors in Mongla and Mirsharai.

They agreed to further deepen collaboration in trade, commerce and investment for mutual benefit. Momen led the Bangladesh delegation in the 7th JCC meeting held on Sunday.