New Delhi, July 25: Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor will be going on a reciprocal goodwill visit to Bangladesh from July 28-31 on the personal invitation of Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army.

The visit assumes special significance in the light of improving military cooperation between the two countries in consonance with India’s growing relationship with Bangladesh.

There have been limited high level visits between the two countries in the past. The last visit to Bangladesh by Indian Army Chief was in the year 2000.

The recent visit of Bangladesh Army Chief to India in February 2008 and our war veteran delegation to Bangladesh in March have indicated a desire to add further impetus to work towards building mutually beneficial defence cooperation.

Bangladesh and India share a very special and important relationship. The friendship between the two countries is based on common ideals and principles, arising from a significant legacy of historical linkages.

Military-to-Military Cooperation between Bangladesh and Indian armed forces encompasses exchange of high and medium level visits, availing of training courses in each other’s training institutions, witnessing of designated exercises by military observers from both sides and sports activities.

During the visit, General Kapoor will be interacting with Bangladesh President and armed forces hierarchy. In addition, he will be visiting their important training establishments and field formations.

The Army Chief’s visit will further cement our defence relationship with Bangladesh and add impetus to our defence cooperation by enhancing interaction in the fields of training and exchanges. (ANI)