New Delhi, Oct 18 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee said Saturday India "attaches the highest importance" to its relations with Bangladesh.

Addressing a youth delegation from Bangladesh who called on the president at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here, Mukherjee said: "Bangladesh is a close neighbour with whom India shares so much. The two countries share not only borders but also common history, culture and heritage."

"India attaches the highest importance to its relations with Bangladesh," an official statement quoted Mukherjee as saying.

The president urged the members of the delegation to work towards making India-Bangladesh friendship "strong and permanent".

"India will always extend its hand of cooperation for the welfare, progress, upliftment and onward march of the people of Bangladesh," said the president wishing the delegation members a very enjoyable and educative tour.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka in co-ordination with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and government of Bangladesh has organized this visit of the third youth delegation to India.

The exchange programme involves interaction with local youth, visits to tourist and cultural sites and introduction to economic and social activities.