Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April to improve bilateral ties following the ouster of the Awami League government. Diplomatic relations, which soured over 15 years, are set to be revived with discussions focusing on cultural cooperation, trade, and regional collaboration. Eased visa protocols and plans for resuming direct transportation links further signify a positive shift in relations.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April, aiming to enhance bilateral relations following the recent political changes that ousted the Awami League government. The diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh deteriorated over the 15 years of Awami League rule, with the last visit by a Pakistani foreign minister occurring in 2012.
In contrast, the political shift since August has led to renewed dialogues between the two nations, highlighted by phone conversations and meetings between Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Both countries are gearing up to revive bilateral engagements, including resuming foreign secretary consultations last held in 2010 and a joint economic commission that was inactive since 2005.
These discussions were recently underscored during a meeting between Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Pakistan’s additional secretary for Asia Pacific, and Bangladesh’s foreign secretary Md Jashim Uddin. It was noted that both sides recognized the need to conduct vital meetings as part of the preparations for Minister Dar’s upcoming visit. Cultural cooperation opportunities in areas like music, cinema, and youth exchanges were explored, alongside trade delegation activities between the two countries.
During the talks, cooperation on tourism, cultural exchanges, the Rohingya refugee issue, and involvement in international forums were also highlighted. The involved parties emphasized the significance of enhancing regional cooperation through platforms such as SAARC, OIC, and D-8. Improvements in visa processes for Pakistani travelers and plans for resuming direct shipping and flights were also announced.
The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka reiterated that Pakistan and Bangladesh share relations based on “mutual respect and shared values” and expressed satisfaction over the current “positive trajectory of ties.” The officials agreed on the necessity of ongoing collaboration to further strengthen their relations across various sectors.
The anticipated visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister in April signifies a pivotal moment in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, marked by efforts to mend ties that have suffered in recent years. The discussions surrounding cultural exchanges, trade, and cooperation in international forums reflect the commitment to enhance bilateral engagements. Both governments are focused on fostering a collaborative atmosphere, underscoring the importance of mutual respect and shared values in their ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
