Pakistan’s Foreign Minister to Visit Bangladesh in April to…

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh in April to enhance diplomatic relations disrupted during the Awami League government’s tenure. Key discussions have taken place about resuming formal meetings and boosting cultural and economic cooperation. Visa policies have also been eased as both countries work towards strengthening ties.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Bangladesh in April to strengthen bilateral relations following the recent political change in Bangladesh. The diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh had deteriorated over the 15-year rule of the Awami League government, with no visits from Pakistani foreign ministers since 2012, when Hina Rabbani Khar made a brief visit.

Since the political shift in August 2024, dialogue has resumed, highlighted by phone calls between Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with their meetings in New York and Egypt. Now, plans are being made to resume formal bilateral meetings, with consultations last held a decade ago.

In preparation for Minister Dar’s visit, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, Additional Secretary of the Asia Pacific division of Pakistan’s foreign ministry, met with Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin. They discussed the significance of upcoming meetings and explored opportunities for cultural cooperation, emphasizing the exchange of music, cinema, drama, and youth interactions.

The discussions also included positive outcomes from trade delegation visits from Pakistan to Bangladesh. Enhancements in tourism cooperation, cultural exchanges, and addressing the issue of displaced Rohingyas were also part of the agenda. Furthermore, collaboration through regional and multilateral platforms such as SAARC, OIC, and D-8 was encouraged.

Significantly, the ease of Bangladeshi visas for Pakistani citizens was noted, alongside plans to restore direct shipping and flight routes. Following these discussions, both nations expressed optimism regarding their relations, which are rooted in mutual respect and shared values, and committed to further cooperation and engagement in the future. Meetings were also conducted with key officials, including the Commerce and Cultural Affairs Secretaries.

In conclusion, the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh in April marks a significant step towards mending diplomatic ties that have been strained over the years. The recent discussions between officials from both countries indicate a concerted effort to explore and enhance various facets of cooperation, including trade, cultural exchanges, and regional collaborations. Through these initiatives, both nations aim to establish a positive trajectory in their bilateral relations.

Original Source: www.thedailystar.net