KOLKATA: India Prime Minister Norendra Modi said that he felt proud in getting the opportunity of welcoming Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid who is also a freedom fighter.

Modi made the remarks while meeting Bangladesh president on Friday in New Delhi.

He expressed his eagerness to work closely with Bangladesh on mutually beneficial projects during the meeting with visiting Bangladesh President.

Hamid arrived India Thursday on a six-day official visit.

He is on the invite of India President Pranab Mukherjee, and will be a guest in Rashtrapati Bhawan.

However, President Mukherjee had paid a state visit to Bangladesh in March 2013.

The visit of the Bangladesh president is expected to contribute to further strengthening and expanding the close bilateral relations between the two countries.

During talks, Modi and Hamid recollected their joint endeavors during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971, according to tweets posted by the ministry of India’s external affairs spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.

Modi conveyed to Hamid that "India's Act East Policy starts with Bangladesh. India ready to work on mutually beneficial projects," said a tweet.

He also told Hamid that "India is willing to be catalytic agent to boost regional cooperation".

Hamid also reiterated an invite to Modi to visit Bangladesh.

Modi said he is keen to visit Dhaka and would do so at an early date next year, said sources.

Bangladesh President is scheduled to visit Amjer, Agra, Jaipur during his stay. He will visit Kolkata before returning to Dhaka on December 23.

BDST: 2256 HRS, DEC 19, 2014