Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Bangladesh on a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing regional cooperation.
He was warmly received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka by Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam, Pakistani High Commissioner Imran Haider, and other senior officials.
Meetings with political leadership
Soon after he arrived, Ishaq Dar held separate meetings with delegations from Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh and the National Citizen Party.
Also Read: Dar marks Pakistan’s first FM-level visit to Bangladesh in 13 years
The Jamaat-e-Islami delegation was led by Deputy Ameer Dr. Abdullah Tahir. Discussions focused on strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and recent regional developments. Dar praised the resilience of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and workers during testing times and inquired about the health of Jamaat-e-Islami Emir Dr Shafiqur Rehman, offering prayers for his speedy recovery.
In a separate meeting with the National Citizen Party at the Pakistan High Commission, Dar exchanged views with the delegation led by Secretary Akhtar Hussain. Both sides appreciated the long-standing contacts between leaders of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Addressing a ceremony at the high commission, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed gratitude to the Bangladesh government for inviting him to visit.
Dar said visiting Bangladesh after many years was a source of joy, adding that the two countries shared historical, cultural, religious, and social ties. He emphasized that there were strong brotherly feelings between the people of both nations, who wished for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
Highlighting the challenges of climate change and security threats, Dar stressed the need for collective efforts to overcome them. He noted that Pakistan-Bangladesh relations had seen progress over the past year and identified vast opportunities for cooperation in trade and education.
He also acknowledged Bangladesh’s important role in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), calling for the organization to be made more active for the development of the region.
“The people of both countries want relations based on mutual respect,” Dar concluded.
Engagement with Bangladesh Nationalist Party
Dar also met with a delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), headed by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. The discussions emphasized promoting relations based on mutual respect, shared benefits, and regional harmony.
Commitment to regional cooperation
Highlighting Bangladesh’s important role in the formation of SAARC, Dar underscored the need for greater regional cooperation to address common challenges. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to building stronger ties with Bangladesh, focusing on trade, cultural exchanges, and political dialogue.
Upcoming high-level talks
Ishaq Dar is scheduled to hold key meetings with Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, Foreign Advisor Muhammad Towhid Hussain, and other senior officials. According to the Foreign Office, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the visit and bilateral relations and regional and global issues discussed.
Officials described this trip as an “important milestone” in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, Dar is visiting Dhaka at the invitation of the Bangladeshi government.
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