Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met in Cairo to address the unresolved issues from the 1971 war, discussing the need for future reconciliation. They also explored enhancing bilateral trade and cultural exchanges and considered reviving SAARC initiatives, signaling a commitment to foster better relations between their countries.
In a significant meeting held on December 20, 2024, in Cairo, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened to discuss essential bilateral issues, notably the unresolved matters from the 1971 war. Yunus advocated for a definitive resolution to these historical issues, emphasizing their impact on future generations and stating, “The issues have kept coming again and again. Let’s settle those issues for us to move forward.” Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged the 1974 tripartite agreement with India and expressed openness to re-examine any remaining concerns.
The conversation between Yunus and Sharif took place during the D-8 Summit, reflecting the ongoing need for dialogue between Bangladesh and Pakistan. The historical context of their discussions is rooted in the 1971 Liberation War, which led to Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. The 1974 tripartite agreement was established to address humanitarian issues and resettlement, marking an important moment in their relationship. This recent meeting demonstrates both nations’ desire to enhance bilateral ties and collaborate regionally through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The discussions between Yunus and Sharif indicate a mutual interest in progressing the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan. By addressing historical grievances from the 1971 conflict and fostering economic and cultural exchanges, both leaders expressed a vision of strengthening ties and advancing cooperation in South Asia.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
