Dhaka, Jul 6 (IANS): India's External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Wednesday began a three-day visit to Dhaka, saying "a prosperous, stable and democratic" Bangladesh was in the interest of the region and underlining New Delhi's resolve to deepen ties with the neighbouring country.

In a special gesture, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni came to the airport to receive Krishna, signalling Dhaka's resolve to put the row over recent remarks of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on anti-India sentiments prevailing among sections in Bangladesh behind and build stronger relations with New Delhi.

"India attaches the highest importance to our relations with Bangladesh, a close and friendly neighbour. We are impressed with the tremendous growth and development in your beautiful country," Krishna said in a statement released on his arrival in the Bangladesh capital.

"We believe that a prosperous, stable and democratic Bangladesh is in the interest of both the countries and the entire region," he said as he began his visit to Bangladesh.

Stating that bilateral relations were in "the best phase in recent times", Krishna said the ties between the two counties were at a historical juncture.

"I am confident that through a forward-looking, progressive and pragmatic approach based on understanding and cooperation, we can achieve a mutually rewarding relationship that brings a brighter future, prosperity and development to the people of both countries," he said.

"India remains committed to a partnership in the development and prosperity of the people of Bangladesh. Both the countries remain steadfast in their efforts to combat the scourge of terrorism," he added.

During his visit, Krishna will hold wide-ranging talks with his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni. He will also call on President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina. He will meet Finance Minister A.M.A. Muhith and Leader of Opposition Begum Khaleda Zia.

Krishna will deliver a speech at the Bangladesh Institute for International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) during which he will outline an overarching vision of the India-Bangladesh relations. He will also inaugurate the Kala Bhawan, set up with Indian assistance, at the Dhaka University.

Bilateral ties have made major strides since Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited New Delhi nearly 18 months ago.

Krishna's talks will set the stage for Manmohan Singh's visit to Dhaka Sep 6-7 during which New Delhi is expected to unveil a raft of concessions, including a further easing of textiles imports, signalling a new phase in improving bilateral ties.

On Monday, New Delhi and Dhaka announced Manmohan Singh's visit in a conscious effort by both sides to play down the controversy triggered by Manmohan Singh's off-the-record remarks in an interaction with Indian editors last week about 25 percent of Bangladeshis being under the influence of the "anti-Indian" Jamaat-e-Islami, a rightwing Islamist political party.

On the same day, Manmohan Singh spoke to Sheikh Hasina and said he was looking forward to his visit to Dhaka in September.