Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is set to visit Bangladesh in April to strengthen bilateral ties following significant political changes. This visit marks a renewed effort in diplomatic relations, languishing since the Awami League’s tenure. Key discussions include resuming high-level meetings and expanding cooperation in trade, culture, and humanitarian issues.
Ishaq Dar, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April. This visit aims to enhance bilateral relations that have been strained following the departure of the Awami League government. Previously, the last Pakistani foreign minister to visit Bangladesh was Hina Rabbani Khar in 2012. Since then, diplomatic interaction has been minimal, with only virtual participation by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in 2022’s D-8 ministerial conference.
Following a political transition in August of last year, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus engaged in conversations, including two meetings—one in New York and another in Egypt. These talks have initiated the thawing of relations, prompting plans to resume formal bilateral meetings. Notably, foreign secretary-level consultations, which last took place in 2010, and the joint economic commission meetings from 2005 are being revitalized.
The discussion surrounding these diplomatic efforts was highlighted when Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Pakistan’s Additional Secretary for Asia Pacific, met with Md Jashim Uddin, Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary. During their meeting, they underscored the necessity of resuming these bilateral discussions. Furthermore, they explored potential cultural collaborations, including youth exchanges and various artistic interactions.
Additionally, both officials expressed satisfaction with the recent trade delegations from Pakistan visiting Bangladesh, stressing the significance of reciprocal trade missions. The meeting encompassed various cooperation areas such as tourism, cultural exchanges, and the humanitarian situation concerning forcibly displaced Rohingyas. Importantly, the strengthening of regional and multilateral partnerships through platforms like SAARC, OIC, and D-8 was deemed crucial.
The visa process for Pakistani nationals seeking entry into Bangladesh has also been streamlined, with discussions of reviving direct shipping and flight services underway. The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka remarked that the current state of relations is based on “mutual respect and shared values.” Both sides conveyed contentment with the “positive trajectory of ties” and reaffirmed their commitment to further enhancing bilateral cooperation.
In conclusion, the anticipated visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh aims to reinvigorate strained bilateral relations, with both parties committed to improving diplomatic ties, trade, and cultural cooperation. Their efforts include addressing historical gaps in dialogue and enhancing humanitarian efforts, which are key to nurturing a sustainable partnership moving forward.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
