Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April to strengthen bilateral relations that have been historically subdued. Following a political shift in Bangladesh, both countries are planning to resume formal meetings and discussions on various cooperation areas, including trade and cultural exchanges.
In April, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral relations after the recent political shift following the ousting of the Awami League-led government in August 2024. Diplomatic activity between the two nations has been limited since 2009 when the Awami League assumed power, with the last visit from a Pakistani foreign minister occurring in 2012.
The relationship began to thaw earlier this year with communications between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with two high-level meetings that occurred in New York and Egypt. Currently, both countries are preparing to resume formal bilateral meetings, such as foreign secretary-level consultations and the joint economic commission, which had not convened since 2010 and 2005, respectively.
In recent discussions, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, the additional secretary for Asia Pacific in Pakistan’s foreign ministry, met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin to address the importance of resuming these long-dormant meetings. The dialogues included significant topics which pertain to cultural cooperation, trade delegation visits, and collaboration in various sectors like tourism and the Rohingya refugee situation.
Moreover, improvements have been made regarding travel, with Bangladeshi visas for Pakistani nationals being eased, alongside plans to reinstate direct shipping and flights between the two countries. The Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to enhance their relations, which rely on mutual respect and shared values.
In conclusion, the anticipated visit by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signifies a pivotal step towards revitalizing Pakistan-Bangladesh relations post-political change, aiming at enhancing economic and cultural interactions while addressing mutual concerns and cooperation in regional contexts.
The upcoming visit of Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh is crucial in revitalizing diplomatic ties that have been limited for many years. Through formal meetings, discussions on cultural cooperation, and improved travel policies, both nations seek to enhance collaboration and address shared challenges, fostering a positive trajectory in their relations.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
