The President Mr. Pranab Mukherjee leaves New Delhi this morning on a three-day state visit to Bangladesh. This will be his first visit abroad since his assumption of office seven months ago. Briefing media in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai said that during his visit, Mr. Mukherjee will convey to the top Bangladesh leadership India's commitment to take bilateral relations to a higher level.

He said, the President will receive the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour Award for his contribution to the independence struggle of that country in 1971. He will also receive an honorary Doctorate of Law degree from the University of Dhaka at a special convocation.

The President, who will be accompanied by Minister of State for Railways Adhir Ranjan Choudhury and four MPs besides senior officials, will have talks with his Bangladesh counterpart Mohammed Zillur Rahman, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia.

In an interview to state run news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha published on the eve of his state visit to Bangladesh, the President said that India is willing to be a catalyst for development in the South Asian region based on the principles of equality, partnership and mutual benefit. He emphasised the need to work together in a regional framework to find common solutions which will help in creating a win-win situation for everybody and create a new era of prosperity.