New chapter begins as Pakistan, Bangladesh resume diplomatic talks

Dhaka: Pakistan and Bangladesh have held their first foreign secretary-level meeting in 15 years, marking a significant step forward in improving bilateral ties.

The talks began Thursday morning at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka.

Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led the Pakistani delegation, while Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin headed his country’s side. The meeting focused on strengthening mutual interests and exploring ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.

Amna Baloch is currently on a two-day visit to Dhaka to attend the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC). During her visit, she also met with Mohammed Tohid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh side also hosted a lunch in her honor.

According to The Daily Star, Amna is expected to meet Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain following the FOC. Later in the day, she will interact with think tanks and the Pakistani community in Dhaka.

Additionally, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to visit Bangladesh in the last week of April.

Since the Awami League-led government stepped down on August 5 last year, ties between the two countries have improved. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Muhammad Yunus have met twice since then — once during the UN General Assembly in New York and again at the D-8 summit in Cairo.

Bangladesh has eased visa rules for Pakistanis and launched direct shipping links. Pakistan, in turn, is aiming to promote cultural exchange, trade, tourism, and investment.

Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Iqbal Hussain Khan, said Pakistan sees great potential in increasing exports to Bangladesh, especially if prices remain competitive.