Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen discussed bilateral and connectivity issues with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, seeking joint efforts for the development of all countries in the region.

Dr Momen said all countries need development and it will not work if all countries do not see the same pace of development. 

"It's possible if the leadership remains committed," he told reporters after the meeting at Hotel Sonargaon.

The Foreign Minister also sought effective role from India in the UN Security Council.

"We had a very cordial meeting. He (Modi) is very happy," Dr Momen said, adding that they also discussed COVID-19 cooperation. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said his Bangladesh visit is an occasion to convey appreciation for Bangladesh’s remarkable economic and developmental strides under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary leadership and to commit India’s abiding support for these achievements. 

He expressed India’s support and solidarity for Bangladesh's fight against COVID-19.

Modi said he will be having "substantive discussions" with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following their very productive virtual meeting in December last year.

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The Indian Prime Minister arrived here on Friday morning on a two-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Hasina. This is his first foreign visit after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modi said he looks forward to visiting Bangabandhu’s Samadhi in Tungipara to pay respects to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's memory.

He had earlier described Bangabandhu as a champion of human rights and freedom, and a hero to Indians as well.

He also said that the legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted, and that the path shown by Bangabandhu has laid a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade.

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State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami were present at the meeting.