Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh in April to strengthen bilateral ties following a political transition. Previous engagement had been limited during the Awami League administration. The visit aims at resuming formal diplomatic meetings, enhancing cultural exchanges, and addressing issues of mutual concern, including trade and the Rohingya crisis.
Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, will visit Bangladesh in April to enhance bilateral relations following the change in government on August 5, 2024. The diplomatic engagement between the two nations had been limited during the India-aligned Awami League administration from 2009. Notably, the last visit by a Pakistani foreign minister was in 2012 by Hina Rabbani Khar.
In the wake of the political transition last year, relations have seen movement with dialogues between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They engaged in phone calls and in-person meetings in New York and Egypt, aiming to strengthen ties further. Additionally, there are plans to revitalize formal bilateral meetings, including foreign secretary-level consultations last conducted in 2010, and a joint economic commission last held in 2005.
These discussions were further advanced during a meeting between Imran Ahmed Siddiqui of Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry and Md Jashim Uddin, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary. “Both sides discussed the importance of holding the meetings,” the foreign ministry stated. Preparation for the upcoming ministerial visit focused on cultural cooperation avenues, including youth exchanges, music, cinema, and drama.
Siddiqui also delivered a letter from Ishaq Dar to Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain. Both officials acknowledged the significance of the recent trade delegation visits from Pakistan and emphasized reciprocation with product-specific delegations from Bangladesh. Moreover, discussions included cooperation in tourism, cultural exchanges, the Rohingya crisis, and broader international partnerships.
The meeting, which included Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, reinforced the significance of regional collaboration through SAARC, OIC, and D-8. Initiatives such as smoother Bangladeshi visa processes for Pakistani nationals, as well as plans to resume direct shipping and flight services, were also highlighted.
The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka concluded that both nations are focused on mutual respect and shared values in their relations, expressing satisfaction concerning the ongoing positive momentum. Additionally, Siddiqui met various Bangladeshi officials, including the Commerce Secretary, Cultural Affairs Secretary, and Home Secretary, to further solidify bilateral cooperation.
The forthcoming visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh represents a pivotal step in rekindling and reinforcing diplomatic relations that had soured over the past decade. Enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including trade, cultural exchanges, and regional solidarity, indicates a mutual commitment to fostering a productive partnership. The discussions also signal a long-term vision for sustained engagement between the two countries, prioritizing shared values and collaborative development.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
