Ahead of the re-opening of a historic border 'haat' (market) in the state, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, today underscored the need to strengthen ties with Bangladesh in terms of trade and commerce in the best interest of both the neighbouring countries.

"Relationship with Bangladesh is one of the issues and building up sustainable relationship is very important for both countries," Sangma said, a day before Commerce ministers of India and Bangladesh formally re-open the traditional border 'haat' at Kalaichar in West Garo Hills.

The traditional 'haats' were thriving centres of trade and commerce till the creation of Bangladesh following which these were abruptly shut down leading to economic downslide of the local populace.

However, both the countries have now decided to revive these age-old markets in the interest of people living on either side of the dividing line.

"There is a need for increasing inter-dependence between the two countries. This would go a long way in forging friendship and maintaining better conducive atmosphere on both sides of the international border," Sangma said.

He said the state government was prevailing upon the Centre to pursue with Dhaka to "go after" militants of the North East holed up in Bangladesh.

The Chief Minister said another border haat would be set up at Balat in East Khasi Hills district, indicating that more such traditional markets would be revived in other areas gradually.

He said that work for building infrastructure at Land Customs Stations (LCS) at Ghasuapara and Dalu in Garo hills was already underway and that he had taken up with the Centre the need to connect all LCSs with railway network.