Pakistan, Bangladesh to launch direct shipping, air links for enhanced connectivity as bilateral talks were restored.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have welcomed the initiation of direct shipping services between Karachi and Chittagong and emphasized the early restoration of direct flights. Both countries also noted improvements in travel and visa procedures.
After a 15-year gap, Pakistan and Bangladesh resumed their bilateral consultations at the Foreign Secretary level in Dhaka. The discussions, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and her Bangladeshi counterpart Md. Jashim Uddin, were conducted in a cordial environment, reflecting mutual interest in strengthening diplomatic ties, as noted by the Foreign Office.
The two delegations engaged in wide-ranging discussions covering political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic domains, building on shared historical and cultural connections. They appreciated recent high-level interactions in cities like New York, Cairo, Samoa, and Jeddah, which have helped rejuvenate their bilateral relations.
Both parties stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue momentum through regular institutional exchanges and timely finalization of outstanding agreements. They also underscored the need for deeper collaboration in areas such as trade, agriculture, education, and transport connectivity.
Pakistan proposed educational opportunities at its agricultural universities, while Bangladesh offered training programs in fisheries and maritime disciplines. The Bangladeshi delegation also welcomed scholarship initiatives from Pakistani private universities and emphasized closer cooperation in academia.
Bangladesh appreciated recent performances by prominent Pakistani artists in Dhaka. Pakistan, in turn, expressed interest in reciprocal cultural activities. The two countries discussed potential collaboration in media, sports, and cultural sectors, with plans to finalize relevant memorandums of understanding.
Reiterating their support for regional cooperation, both sides agreed on the need to revitalize SAARC in line with its founding goals. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary expressed appreciation for Bangladesh’s leadership and stressed the importance of keeping the SAARC process free from bilateral tensions.
During separate meetings with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch discussed regional integration and economic collaboration. Both parties agreed on fostering a forward-looking, pressure-free bilateral relationship.
The Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser welcomed the upcoming visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, aiming to continue diplomatic momentum.
Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch extended greetings from Pakistan’s leadership and thanked Bangladesh for its warm hospitality. It was agreed that the next round of talks would take place in Islamabad in 2026.
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