Dhaka, Oct. 12 -- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Monday said the regional cooperation remained an important element of Bangladesh's foreign policy, stressing that differences among countries should not prevent them from pursuing areas of common interest.

Bangladesh wants to promote regional peace and stability by expanding trade and economic cooperation, strengthening connectivity, enhancing energy cooperation and addressing transnational challenges through collective action, she said at a seminar in the capital.

Asked about the current situation in India, the State Minister said Bangladesh has no assessment or evaluation to offer at the moment, describing the matter as an internal issue of India.

The State Min...