By NNN-BSS,
New Delhi : Visiting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accorded a ceremonial reception this morning at the forecourt of the imposing Rashtrapati Bhaban here.
As the Prime Minister’s motorcade reached the Rashtrapati Bhaban, she was received by her Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh. She then went to the saluting stage. The national anthems of the two countries were played.
A smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces presented her a guard of honour and she inspected the guard.
After the brief ceremony, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh introduced his cabinet colleagues including Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P. Chidambaram, Foreign Minister SM Krishna and Governor of Delhi.
Sheikh Hasina also introduced her entourage members including Sheikh Rehana, younger daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Prime Minister’s advisers HT Imam, Dr Mashiur Rahman, Dr Gowher Rizvi, Prime Minister’s son Sajeeb Wajed Joy, Radwan Mujib Siddiq, son of Sheikh Rehana, Mrs. Peppi Siddiq and Ms Azmina Siddiq, daughters of Sheikh Rehana.
Also present on the occasion were M. Ziauddin, ambassador at-large, Principal secretary Abdul Karim, foreign secretary Mijarul Quayes, and Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad.
Responding to a question from an Indian journalist, Sheikh Hasina said that the main problem facing the region is poverty and “we will work together to make the South Asia free from poverty and an abode of peace.
She expressed the hope that her visit would play a vital role in achieving this goal.