Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to Visit Bangladesh in April to Enhance Relations

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh in April to strengthen bilateral ties after political changes. Recent meetings have focused on resuming official consultations and cultural cooperation. The two nations aim to improve trade and enhance regional collaboration, with eased visa restrictions and plans for direct transport links.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April to enhance bilateral relations following the removal of the Awami League-led government in August last year. Under the previous government, diplomatic ties between the two nations were strained, with the last visit by a Pakistani foreign minister occurring in 2012.

The political shift in August 2024 has prompted engagement efforts, including conversations between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This has included discussions in New York and Egypt, aimed at improving relations and resuming formal bilateral meetings, including consultations that have not occurred since 2010 and a joint economic commission last convened in 2005.

Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, the additional secretary for Asia Pacific at Pakistan’s foreign ministry, met with Md Jashim Uddin, Bangladesh’s foreign secretary, to discuss preparations for Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit. The discussions included the significance of cultural cooperation in areas such as music and drama, as well as enhancing people-to-people contacts.

During this meeting, Siddiqui delivered a letter from Ishaq Dar to Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain. Both officials expressed satisfaction with recent trade delegation visits and the necessity for reciprocal visits focused on specific products to boost trade. Furthermore, they addressed collaboration on tourism, cultural exchanges, and the situation of the Rohingya refugees.

The meeting highlighted the importance of regional and multilateral cooperation through platforms such as SAARC, OIC, and D-8. Alongside easing visa restrictions for Pakistani nationals, the two countries are also contemplating the resumption of direct shipping and flight services.

In a related statement, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka affirmed the mutual respect and shared values underlying Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. Both sides are eager to continue enhancing their collaboration in various sectors. Siddiqui also held discussions with various Bangladeshi secretaries, including those for commerce, cultural affairs, and home affairs.

Ishaq Dar’s upcoming visit to Bangladesh marks a significant step towards revitalizing the historically strained diplomatic relations between the two countries following recent political changes. The discussions held thus far reflect a commitment to cultural cooperation, trade enhancement, and regional stability. As both nations prepare for a more constructive partnership, the resumption of formal meetings and eased travel restrictions further indicate a positive trajectory in bilateral relations.

Original Source: www.thedailystar.net