Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to Visit Bangladesh in April to Strengthen Ties

Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, will visit Bangladesh in April to strengthen bilateral relations after political shifts. After years of tension, both countries plan to resume formal meetings and enhance cooperation in trade, culture, and regional alliances, with recent discussions focused on key issues like the Rohingya situation and direct connectivity.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, will visit Bangladesh in April, following the political changes that led to the ousting of the Awami League government. The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh deteriorated significantly during the 15-year tenure of the Awami League. Notably, the last visit from a Pakistani foreign minister occurred in 2012 with Hina Rabbani Khar, while earlier in 2022, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari participated virtually at the D-8 ministerial conference.

In light of the recent political transition, Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have initiated communication to revive diplomatic relations, having conversed and met twice since August. Furthermore, both countries are poised to reinstate formal bilateral meetings, with the last foreign secretary-level consultations occurring in 2010 and the joint economic commission last held in 2005.

These developments were highlighted during a meeting between Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Pakistan’s additional secretary for Asia Pacific, and Md Jashim Uddin, Bangladesh’s foreign secretary, where they affirmed the need for these formal meetings. They have also discussed various components of bilateral relations in preparation for the upcoming visit of the Pakistani foreign minister, emphasizing cultural cooperation through avenues such as music, cinema, and youth exchanges.

In addition, serious discussions concerning recent visits of trade delegations from Pakistan to Bangladesh took place, underscoring the necessity for Bangladesh to send product-specific trade delegations to Pakistan. Cooperation in tourism, cultural exchanges, and addressing the Rohingya issue emerged as additional focal points of the discussions. Both countries highlighted the necessity for enhanced cooperation within regional frameworks including SAARC, OIC, and D-8.

The easing of Bangladeshi visa requirements for Pakistani nationals was also a significant development, alongside plans to revive direct shipping and flights between the two nations. A statement from the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka reflected an assessment of the current state of relations, emphasizing the foundation of mutual respect and shared values, and noting a “positive trajectory of ties.” Further cooperation and engagement are anticipated to continue as both countries move forward toward strengthened bilateral ties.

The upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh in April signifies a renewed effort to restore and enhance diplomatic relations, which experienced significant deterioration under the Awami League government. Key discussions have taken place regarding cultural cooperation, trade delegation visits, and multilateral cooperation, illuminating a commitment to fostering bilateral ties based on mutual respect. As both countries navigate this renewed diplomatic phase, the focus on easing travel restrictions and revitalizing meetings suggests a promising pathway toward more robust engagement.

Original Source: www.thedailystar.net