Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh in April to strengthen diplomatic relations that have previously slowed under the Awami League government. Key discussions focus on cultural cooperation, trade relations, and the resumption of direct transportation links, signifying a renewed commitment to collaboration between the two nations.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh in April to enhance bilateral relations following the fall of the Awami League government last year. The diplomatic ties between both nations deteriorated during the 15 years of the Awami League’s rule, with the last Pakistani foreign minister visit dating back to 2012.
In 2022, the then Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari participated virtually in a D-8 ministerial conference. Following a political transition in August, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus engaged in discussions, including two meetings aimed at improving relations.
Efforts are underway to restart formal bilateral meetings, such as foreign secretary-level consultations, the last of which occurred in 2010, and the joint economic commission that last convened in 2005. Recent discussions highlighted the importance of these interactions during a meeting between Imran Ahmed Siddiqui of Pakistan’s foreign ministry and Md Jashim Uddin, Bangladesh’s foreign secretary.
Planning for the Pakistani foreign minister’s visit involved exploring cultural cooperation avenues, including musical, cinematic, and youth exchanges. The two officials also addressed trade delegation visits and cooperation in areas such as tourism and cultural exchanges, along with matters concerning displaced Rohingya individuals.
Both nations reaffirmed the significance of regional and multilateral collaboration through platforms like SAARC and D-8. There has been a recent facilitation of Bangladeshi visas for Pakistani nationals, and direct shipping and flights are being planned to resume. The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka indicated satisfaction with the progress of relations based on mutual respect and shared values, expressing commitment to further cooperation.
In summary, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s upcoming visit to Bangladesh signifies an important step towards restoring and strengthening bilateral relations that had soured under the previous government. Key areas of focus will include cultural cooperation, trade, and various forms of collaboration to address regional issues. The easing of visa regulations and planned resumption of direct transportation links further exemplify the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
