Pakistan and Bangladesh Commence Foreign Secretary-Level Talks

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

Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch of Pakistan is heading her country’s delegation during these discussions. Jashim Uddin, the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh, is leading the Bangladesh delegation at the State Guest House Padma.

Key discussion points included reinforcing shared interests and a review of their existing bilateral relationships.

The Bangladeshi side provided a lunch for the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.

In addition, Amna Baloch engaged in discussions with Mohammed Tohid Hussain, the Foreign Affairs Advisor to Bangladesh’s Interim Government.

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

Following the FOC, Amna is scheduled to meet with Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, and Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain. An interaction with think tanks and the Pakistani diaspora residing in Dhaka is also on her schedule for the evening.

It is anticipated that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will visit Bangladesh during the final week of April.

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

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Yunus have met twice since then: once at the UN General Assembly in New York in September of last year, and later at the D-8 summit held in Cairo in December.

Bangladesh has relaxed its visa regulations for Pakistani citizens and has introduced direct shipping routes.

Pakistan is eager to encourage cultural exchanges and increase trade, tourism, and investment opportunities.

Iqbal Hussain Khan, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan, who is currently in Dhaka for the meeting, stated that Pakistan identifies possibilities for enhancing exports to Bangladesh, especially if their products have competitive prices.