Pakistan鈥檚 deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, paid a courtesy call on chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna in Dhaka on Sunday.
The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, boosting trade, youth-to-youth exchanges, increased education and cultural exchanges and revitalising regional cooperation through SAARC.
Ishaq Dar conveyed greetings from Pakistan鈥檚 prime minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
Professor Yunus warmly聽 reciprocated, recalling past exchanges with prime minister Sharif.
鈥楨very time prime minister Sharif and I met, we spoke about SAARC. Our visions are aligned, and SAARC remains a top priority for both of us,鈥� the chief adviser noted, while also extending greetings to the prime minister and the people of Pakistan.
Underscoring opportunities for collaboration and expanding trade ties, Ishaq Dar remarked: 鈥業 feel our two economies are complementary. There are many areas where we can work together.鈥�
He also praised Yunus鈥檚 contributions to poverty alleviation and community empowerment.
During his visit to Dhaka, the Pakistan deputy prime minister also held discussions with several advisers, including those responsible for energy and commerce, and met representatives from various political parties.
The chief adviser highlighted the importance of revitalising all potential avenues of regional and bilateral cooperation, urging progress in bilateral trade and emphasising the role of people-to-people connections, particularly among youth.
鈥業 encourage SAARC, and I see our relationship with Pakistan and other SAARC countries as one of the highest priorities,鈥� Yunus said.
While acknowledging that some sensitive issues remain, Yunus emphasised several areas of collaboration, including frequent cultural exchanges.
鈥榃hen Pakistani singers perform in Bangladesh, everyone appreciates their talent. That is the spirit we must build upon,鈥� he remarked.
Ishaq Dar, who is the first Pakistan foreign minister to visit Bangladesh in 13 years, shared that efforts were underway to improve connectivity including shipping and air travels.
鈥楤y October, we hope 鈥楩ly Jinnah鈥� will launch direct flights between our two countries. The PIA is also expected to launch direct flights to Dhaka once the airlines is privatised,鈥� he announced.
Both leaders expressed optimism that enhanced trade, deepening cultural exchange, and regional cooperation would contribute to a more stable and prosperous South Asia.
The meeting was also attended by the chief adviser鈥檚 special envoy for international affairs Lutfey Siddiqi.
