Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh in April 2025. This visit seeks to repair relations that were strained during the previous Awami League government. Recent discussions have focused on resuming formal meetings and enhancing cultural and economic cooperation, amid a backdrop of improved diplomatic engagement following political changes in Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April 2025. This visit aims to enhance the bilateral relationship following the political transition after the Awami League government was ousted on August 5, 2024. Relations had been strained during the fifteen years of the Awami League’s pro-India stance.
The last visit by a Pakistani foreign minister occurred in 2012, when Hina Rabbani Khar spent twelve hours in Bangladesh. In 2022, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari participated virtually in the D-8 ministerial conference. Following the political changes in August of last year, communication has resumed, with both Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaging in discussions both via phone and in subsequent meetings.
Bilaterally, Pakistan and Bangladesh are planning to resume critical meetings, including foreign secretary-level consultations, which last took place in 2010, and the joint economic commission, which had its last session in 2005. Such discussions were held between Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Pakistan’s additional secretary for Asia Pacific, and Bangladesh’s foreign secretary, Md Jashim Uddin.
During their recent talks, both officials acknowledged the significance of initiating these meetings. They also explored collaboration in cultural sectors, including music, cinema, drama, youth exchanges, and enhancing people-to-people contacts. Additionally, Siddiqui presented a letter from Ishaq Dar to Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain.
The dialogue emphasized the positive developments from recent trade delegations visiting Bangladesh from Pakistan and the necessity for reciprocal product-specific delegations. Other areas of cooperation highlighted included tourism, cultural exchanges, addressing the Rohingya issue, and collaborative efforts in international forums.
Strengthening regional and multilateral cooperation through organizations such as SAARC, OIC, and D-8 was discussed, with the involvement of Syed Ahmed Maroof, the Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh, reflecting mutual interests. Additionally, improvements in visa regulations for Pakistani nationals and plans for resuming direct shipping and flight services were announced.
The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka further reiterated the mutual respect and common values that underpin Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, emphasizing their commitment to continue engaging in expanding their collaborative efforts. Siddiqui also coordinated meetings with key Bangladeshi officials, including Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman, Cultural Affairs Secretary Ataur Rahman, and Home Secretary Nasimul Ghani.
The impending visit of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following significant political changes. Key areas of collaboration are being re-explored, including trade, culture, and mutual cooperation in regional organizations. As both nations move forward, discussions indicate a mutual desire to establish a more constructive and supportive relationship based on shared values.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
