Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Visit Bangladesh in April

Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, is set to visit Bangladesh in April to enhance bilateral ties, which were previously strained. This visit follows significant political changes, with discussions focusing on trade, cultural exchanges, and regional cooperation. The easing of visa processes and plans to resume direct logistics signify a renewed commitment to collaboration.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April, aiming to enhance the bilateral relationship, which was under strain during the tenure of the Awami League-led government since 2009. The last visit from a Pakistani foreign minister occurred in 2012. Previous interactions between the countries had been limited after Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s virtual attendance at a 2022 ministerial conference.

Following the political transition in August 2024, there have been a series of telecommunications and meetings between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to foster better ties. Additionally, formal talks are set to resume, including foreign secretary-level consultations and the joint economic commission, last convened in 2010 and 2005, respectively.

Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, additional secretary at Pakistan’s foreign ministry, recently met with Bangladesh’s foreign secretary, Md Jashim Uddin, to discuss bilateral matters. They highlighted the significance of upcoming meetings, as well as avenues for collaboration in culture, including music, cinema, and exchanges among youth and people.

Siddiqui conveyed a letter from Ishaq Dar to Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain, addressing recent trade delegations from Pakistan to Bangladesh. The discussions also encompassed tourism, cultural cooperation, the Rohingya refugee issue, and engagements within international forums. Regional cooperation efforts, including frameworks like SAARC, OIC, and D-8, were emphasized in the dialogues involving the Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh.

The process of obtaining Bangladeshi visas for Pakistani nationals has been streamlined, with plans to resume direct shipping and flight operations between the two nations. A separate statement from the Pakistan High Commission affirmed that both parties evaluated their relations, characterized by mutual respect, and expressed contentment regarding their improving cooperation trajectory. Siddiqui also met with officials from various sectors, underscoring the depth of collaboration being pursued between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh marks a significant effort to revitalize bilateral relations post-political transition. Enhanced discussions on trade, cultural cooperation, and regional collaboration highlight the commitment of both nations to strengthen their ties. The easing of visa restrictions and planned resumption of direct transportation underscore a positive trajectory towards further cooperation.

Original Source: www.thedailystar.net