"Friends can be chosen but not neighbours as they remain where they are," the President said, pointing out that both India and Bangladesh "made many a stride forward in every walk of life".
"India remains firmly committed to partner with Bangladesh in its economic growth and development," he said while launching Akashvani Maitree's channel at the Raj Bhavan, adding that the stage is now set for a quantum jump in India-Bangladesh relations.
"The coming days will see further strengthening of co-operation between the two nations for poverty eradication, enhancing economic growth, promotion of trade as well as for fighting against the evil forces of terrorism, extremism and fundamentalism.
"India-Bangladesh relations will always remain special and unique in the annals of South Asian history," he said.
