Pakistan and Bangladesh have signalled a significant strengthening of their relationship following the Sixth Round of Foreign Secretary-Level Bilateral Consultations held in Dhaka on April 17. This marked the resumption of high-level talks after a 15-year pause.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the consultations, led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin, were described as cordial and productive, reflecting a shared commitment to revitalizing bilateral engagement.
MoFA said Discussions covered a wide range of areas, including political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation, building upon shared history and cultural affinities.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with recent high-level interactions in New York, Cairo, Samoa, and Jeddah, which have contributed to the renewed momentum in the relationship.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining this progress through regular dialogue, expediting pending agreements, and enhancing collaboration in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity.
According to the MoFA statement, several concrete proposals emerged from the talks. Pakistan offered scholarships for Bangladeshi students in its agricultural universities, while Bangladesh offered technical training opportunities in fisheries and maritime studies.
Bangladesh also acknowledged scholarship offers from Pakistani private universities, highlighting the need for increased educational cooperation.
Connectivity was identified as a key priority. The two sides welcomed the recent launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong and stressed the importance of restoring direct air links. They also expressed satisfaction with progress in simplifying travel and visa procedures.
Bangladesh appreciated recent performances by Pakistani artists in Dhaka, and Pakistan encouraged reciprocal cultural exchanges. Discussions explored broader cooperation in sports, media, and cultural institutions, including the finalization of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
On multilateral issues, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in accordance with its founding principles. Pakistan expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s leadership vision and hoped to keep the SAARC process free from bilateral political considerations.
MoFA also added Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary briefed her Bangladeshi counterpart on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), emphasizing the need for a swift resolution of the dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
