Dhaka: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Ishaq Dar arrived in Dhaka on Saturday, marking the first visit of its kind in 13 years aimed at rebuilding relations with Bangladesh.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Dar's two-day official visit comes upon an invitation from the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, as the ties between the two neighbors, who have a history rooted in the 1971 split and challenging relations, are beginning to improve. The Pakistan Foreign Office reported that Ishaq Dar was welcomed at the airport by Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Asad Alam Siam.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan's dedication to enhancing bilateral relations with Bangladesh, focusing on mutual respect and benefit. During the visit, Dar is set to engage in significant discussions with Bangladeshi leaders, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain, and Adviser for Commerce SK Bashir Uddin.
The Pakistan Foreign Office stated, "Discussions will encompass the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation including regional and international issues of mutual interest." Furthermore, the Foreign Minister met with key political figures in Bangladesh, including a delegation from the religious political party Jamaat-e-Islami, led by Syed Abdullah Mohammed Taher, Naib Ameer.
The Foreign Office highlighted that strengthening Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and recent regional developments were the primary areas of focus during the discussions.