Dhaka-Islamabad keen to enhance cooperation

Staff Reporter :

Both Dhaka and Islamabad have expressed their desire to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, people-to-people contacts, and cultural exchanges.

During a meeting between Foreign Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Md Touhid Hossain, and his Pakistani counterpart, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, the two dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the upward trajectory of bilateral relations.

The meeting, which took place in a cordial environment, reflected the fraternal sentiments from both sides. Both parties agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

The discussion highlighted the historical, religious, and cultural linkages between the two countries, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, people-to-people contacts, and cultural exchanges.

The bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have gained momentum following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in the July Revolution last year.

However, India has expressed concerns over the close relationship between the two countries, suggesting that it may lead to the rise of terrorism.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is keen to review and strengthen bilateral cooperation with Bangladesh across multiple sectors.

This was reflected in a meeting between Ambassador Imran Ahmed Siddique, Additional Secretary (Asia Pacific), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, and Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, Ambassador Md Jashim Uddin, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the current state of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, which are based on mutual respect and shared values.

They expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of ties and agreed to remain engaged in further enhancing cooperation.

The upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, to Bangladesh was also discussed.

A source revealed that the Deputy Prime Minister is likely to visit Bangladesh in April, with all necessary arrangements underway.

Since the formation of the interim government, the Dhaka-Islamabad relations have become more visible, with enhanced trade and direct shipping.

The resumption of direct flights between the two countries is also on the table, which is expected to propel the bilateral relations to a new height.