Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka on Sunday, focusing on reviving longstanding bilateral relations.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed about need to revitalize South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), strengthening bilateral ties, boosting trade and expanding youth and educational exchanges, according to a press release issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to which Professor Yunus warmly responded, recalling past exchanges and emphasizing that “SAARC remains a top priority for both of us.”
Highlighting trade and connectivity, Dar said: “I feel our two economies are complementary. There are many areas where we can work together.” He also praised Yunus’s global contributions to poverty alleviation, calling him “a leader who inspires the world.”
Professor Yunus stressed people-to-people connections, particularly youth and cultural exchanges. “When Pakistani singers perform in Bangladesh, everyone appreciates their talent. That is the spirit we must build upon,” he said.
Dar, the first Pakistani foreign minister to visit Bangladesh in 13 years, revealed that connectivity initiatives are underway. “By October, we hope Fly Jinnah will launch direct flights between our two countries. The PIA is also expected to resume Dhaka flights once privatisation is complete,” he announced.
During his visit, Dar also met several Advisers of the interim government, including those responsible for Energy and Commerce, and held talks with leaders of major political parties.
Chief Adviser Yunus, joined by his Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, emphasized that closer bilateral ties and renewed SAARC cooperation could contribute to a more stable and prosperous South Asia.
