Staff Reporter:
The discussion between Pakistani and Bangladeshi foreign secretaries in Dhaka on Thursday was the first of its kind in 15 years, and reflected a shared resolve to revitalise bilateral engagement, the Pakistan foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.
The two sides, led by Pakistan Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, held a comprehensive exchange on political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation, underpinned by shared history, cultural affinities, and the “common aspirations of their peoples.”
Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum through regular institutional dialogue, early finalisation of pending agreements, and enhanced cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity, the Pakistani statement read.
“Recognising connectivity as a priority, the two sides welcomed the launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong and emphasised the importance of resuming direct air links. They also expressed satisfaction over the progress made in easing travel and visa facilitation,” it added.
On multilateral issues, both sides reaffirmed the need to revitalise SAARC in line with its founding principles, as per the statement. Pakistan’s Amna Baloch appreciated the vision of the Bangladeshi leadership and expressed hope that the SAARC process would remain insulated from bilateral political considerations, the statement noted.
Baloch also briefed the Bangladeshi side on the situation in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for an early resolution of the dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
While reviewing the Middle East situation, the two sides strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression and grave human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly in Gaza.
During her Dhaka tour, Baloch held separate meetings with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. Discussions focused on regional integration, economic linkages, and the “importance of insulating bilateral ties from external pressures,” said the Pakistani foreign ministry in its statement.
