Close Neighbours
I have spoken of some favourable developments in our relations with two of our close and important neighbours. We on cur part are seeking a similar improvement with other neighbours. Despite problems, this is our quest in Bangladesh. I emphatically state that we want to build up relationship of friendship, co-operation and trust with all our neighbours. There are certain unresolved problems, but we believe that there are no problems between neighbours which cannot be solved by understanding and negotiation if there is willingness on both sides.
With our other close neighbours like Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Burma and Sri Lanka; we have traditional ties of friendship which have been strengthened further in modern times. The problems of Kachchativu Island and Stateless persons in Sri Lanka have been already solved in a satisfactory manner, and recently we have also settled the entire length of maritime boundary between India and Sri Lanka.
Moving a little further from our immediate neighbourhood, I would like to mention in brief our policy towards west Asia, south East Asia and Africa. I am sure you are all aware of our long-standing and consistent support to the Arab cause. We firmly believe that there can he no lasting peace in west Asia unless Israel withdraws from all occupied Arab territories and the national rights of Palestinians are restored to them. Naturally, the present situation in Lebanon cannot but cause concern to us. We hope that Arab unity will be maintained and peace and harmony will return to Lebanon, ensuring its sovereignty, independence and
non-alignment.
With the countries in the Gulf region and Iran, we have been successful in strengthening our economic co-operation. We attach great importance to such co-operation among developing countries which pool together our technology and manpower with the needs of industrialization in them.
Coming to south-east Asia, an outstanding event of the year has been the reunification of Vietnam. We are confident that the emergence of a united Vietnam, inspired by nationalism and progressive ideology and devoted to a policy of non-alignment, will be a significant addition to the forces of peace in that region and in Asia as a whole. We have good economic relations with the members of ASEAN* which is increasingly devoting its energies to evolving a pattern of regional economic co-operation. We welcome this development and will be happy to extend whatever co-operation we can.
(*Association of South East Asian Nations, members of which are Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.)