Pakistan and Bangladesh Leaders Agree to Strengthen Bilateral Ties, Revive Regional Cooperation

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, met on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The two leaders agreed to renew bilateral ties and enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan's historical and cultural connections with Bangladesh, stressing the need for parliamentary exchanges, people-to-people contacts, and collaboration among sportspersons, academics, and artists. He also invited Yunus for an official visit to Pakistan to promote regional dialogue.

Yunus proposed the revival of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as a platform for fostering ties between South Asian nations. Sharif supported this initiative, calling for a step-by-step approach to restore the regional body.

Additionally, the two leaders discussed renewing foreign secretary-level talks, reactivating their joint commission, and exploring investment opportunities, particularly in Bangladesh's textile and leather sectors. They also expressed interest in youth exchange programs to further strengthen ties.

This meeting marks a positive shift in relations between the two countries, following tensions during the previous Bangladeshi administration. Both sides are now keen on opening a new chapter of cooperation for mutual progress.