B Mirror Desk : Pakistan stated that the Bangladesh-Pakistan Foreign Secretary-level conference in Dhaka demonstrated a common determination to improve bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Bangladesh held their sixth round of bilateral negotiations at the Foreign Secretary level in Dhaka on April 17, following a 15-year hiatus, according to a statement from Islamabad’s Foreign Ministry. The talks, headed by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin, were held in good spirits and indicated a shared desire to improve bilateral relations.
According to the statement, the two sides had a wide-ranging discussion about political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation, which is based on their peoples’ shared history, cultural affinity, and aspirations. Satisfaction was also expressed regarding recent high-level contacts in New York, Cairo, Samoa, and Jeddah, which have helped to revitalize bilateral relations.
Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum through regular institutional dialogue, expediting the completion of pending agreements, and strengthening cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity. Pakistan provides educational opportunities through its agricultural universities, whereas Bangladesh provides technical training in fisheries and maritime education. The Bangladeshi side acknowledged the offer of scholarships from private universities in Pakistan and emphasized the need for deeper cooperation in the education sector.
‘Recognizing connectivity as a priority, both sides welcomed the commencement of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong and stressed the importance of resuming direct air links. They also expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the areas of travel and visa facilitation.’
Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry further said that the Bangladeshi side appreciated the recent performances of renowned Pakistani artists in Dhaka, while the Pakistani side encouraged mutual cultural exchanges. The possibilities of greater cooperation in sports, media and cultural institutions were discussed, including the finalization of various MoUs in these areas.
‘On multilateral issues, both sides reiterated the need to revive SAARC in line with its founding principles. The Foreign Secretary appreciated the vision of the Bangladeshi leadership and expressed the hope that the SAARC process would remain detached from bilateral political considerations.’
It further said that the Foreign Secretary briefed the Bangladeshi side on the situation in the Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), stressing the need for an early resolution of the dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. While reviewing the situation in the Middle East, both sides strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression and grave human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza.
The Foreign Secretary held separate meetings with Principal Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus and Advisor on Foreign Affairs Md. Towhid Hossain, the statement said.
The Foreign Advisor expressed his keen interest in the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar. The statement concluded by noting that Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch conveyed her greetings on behalf of the Pakistani leadership, thanking the Principal Advisor for his warm hospitality. The next round of consultations will take place in Islamabad in 2026. The discussions centered on the significance of regional integration, economic connectivity, and protecting bilateral relations from external pressures. A shared commitment to a forward-looking partnership emerged from the discussions.
