Pakistan and Bangladesh Commence Foreign Secretary-Level Talks in Dhaka

A meeting at the foreign secretary level between Pakistan and Bangladesh began in Dhaka on Thursday morning, marking the first such diplomatic interaction between the two nations in 15 years.

The Pakistani delegation was headed by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch during the discussions, while Bangladesh’s delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin at the State Guest House Padma.

The discussions focused on reinforcing shared interests and reviewing the status of bilateral relations.

The Bangladesh side also hosted a luncheon in honor of Pakistan’s foreign secretary.

In addition, Amna Baloch had a meeting with Mohammed Tohid Hussain, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh’s Interim Government, during the course of the discussions.

Amna’s arrival in Dhaka occurred yesterday for a two-day visit to participate in the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC).

Following the FOC, Amna is scheduled to meet with Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, and Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain. She is also expected to engage with think tanks and members of the Pakistani diaspora in Dhaka later in the day.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is anticipated to travel to Bangladesh during the final week of April.

Since the Awami League-led administration fell on August 5 of the previous year, relations between the two countries have been improving.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Yunus have convened twice since then: initially at the UN General Assembly in New York in September of the previous year, and subsequently at the D-8 summit held in Cairo in December.

Since then, Bangladesh has relaxed visa requirements for Pakistani citizens and initiated direct shipping services.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is eager to promote cultural exchange and enhance trade, tourism, and investment.

The Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, currently in Dhaka for the meeting, stated that Pakistan identifies opportunities to expand its exports to Bangladesh, particularly if its products maintain competitive pricing.