Bangladesh briefs Chinese envoy on dispute with Myanmar

Nov 5, 2008, 11:01 GMT

   Dhaka - Dhaka on Wednesday explained to Beijing the reasons for the current tension in the Bay of Bengal over Myanmar's gas exploration in disputed maritime territory between the two neighbouring countries.

   'I have explained our peaceful intentions to our Chinese friend, and expressed our hope that Myanmar dismantles the installations on the disputed waters,' Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury said.

   The adviser made the statement after a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Zheng Qingdian at his office.

   Myanmar, a close neighbour of both Bangladesh and China, has reportedly deployed four naval ships escorted by two warships into Bangladesh maritime territory in the bay for oil and gas exploration.

   Bangladesh too moved a warship in the bay waters accusing Myanmar of intrusion into Bangladeshi territory in the sea.

   Bangladeshi officials say that the Myanmar authorities have been continuing exploration in the disputed areas, ignoring Dhaka's requests for settlement through discussion.

   A high-level Bangladesh delegation headed by Foreign Secretary Md Touhid Hossain travelled to Myanmar Tuesday night in an effort to defuse the tension through dialogue.

   After the meeting between the foreign adviser and the Chinese envoy, the Bangladesh foreign ministry said the two sides discussed 'matters of mutual interest.'