Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, will visit Bangladesh in April to enhance bilateral relations following political changes. The previously quiet diplomatic ties are set to be revitalized through resumed formal meetings and discussions on trade and cultural exchanges. Recent improvements also include eased visa restrictions and plans for direct transport services.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April to strengthen bilateral ties following the recent political transition that saw the removal of the Awami League-led government in August 2024. The diplomatic relations between the two nations have faced challenges, particularly during the 15-year period of the Awami League government, which aligned closely with India.
The last visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh occurred in 2012, when Hina Rabbani Khar made a brief 12-hour visit. Afterward, in 2022, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the then foreign minister, attended a ministerial conference via virtual means, indicating limited high-level diplomatic engagement.
In light of the political changes in August 2024, communication between the leadership of the two countries has resumed. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke on the phone then and have met twice, in New York and Egypt, to foster renewed relations.
The nations now aim to resume formal bilateral discussions, including foreign secretary-level consultations that last occurred in 2010, and a joint economic commission that last convened in 2005. Discussions regarding these meetings took place recently, with Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Secretary at Pakistan’s foreign ministry, meeting Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary, Md Jashim Uddin.
During this meeting, both parties emphasized the significance of these consultations. They also explored opportunities for cultural cooperation in various fields such as music, cinema, drama, youth exchanges, and enhanced people-to-people connections.
Mr. Siddiqui presented a letter from Ishaq Dar to Jashim Uddin addressed to Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain. Both officials expressed contentment regarding recent trade delegation visits from Pakistan to Bangladesh and stressed the need for reciprocal visits by Bangladeshi trade delegations to Pakistan for product-specific discussions.
Additionally, matters relating to cooperation in tourism, cultural exchanges, the status of forcibly displaced Rohingyas, and collaboration on international platforms were discussed. The meeting also underscored the importance of regional and multilateral cooperation through organizations such as SAARC, OIC, and D-8, with involvement from Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof.
Visa facilitation for Pakistani nationals wishing to visit Bangladesh has improved, and plans are in place to reinstate direct shipping and flight services between the countries. In a released statement, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka noted that both nations evaluated their bilateral relations, which are founded on mutual respect and shared values, and expressed a commitment to enhancing cooperative efforts moving forward.
In conclusion, Ishaq Dar’s forthcoming visit to Bangladesh is a significant step towards reviving and strengthening the traditionally subdued diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Through various discussions, both nations are poised to reignite formal meetings, increase trade involvement, and promote cultural cooperation. Furthermore, improvements in visa processes and direct transport options are indicative of a hopeful trajectory for future collaborations, rooted in mutual respect and shared objectives.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
