Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has invited Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to visit Pakistan before the conclusion of the interim government's tenure as the two leaders held a meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters on Wednesday.
They discussed ways to deepen economic relations between the two countries by expanding the existing bilateral trade, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters after the meeting.
During their meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including Bangladesh's upcoming general elections, reforms introduced by the interim government, the recent devastating floods in Pakistan, trade and investment, and prospects for regional cooperation, Alam said.
Prof Yunus shared that Bangladesh is on course to hold its general election in February and expressed hope that the major political reforms proposed by 11 national commissions would lead to meaningful political transformation.
He noted that talks between the National Consensus Commission and political parties are in their final stages, and parties are expected to sign a ‘July Charter’ encompassing key constitutional and political reforms.
"These reforms are aimed at preventing the rise of another autocrat in Bangladesh," Prof Yunus said.
With SAARC largely inactive in recent years, the two leaders also discussed alternative avenues to enhance regional cooperation.
The Chief Adviser Yunus expressed his profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences over the recent floods in Pakistan, which claimed the lives of more than 1,000 people.
Prime Minister Sharif attributed the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters to the worsening impacts of climate change.
In August this year, Bangladesh and Pakistan reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral ties for the mutual benefit of their peoples.
Bangladesh emphasised the importance of deepening collaborative bilateral relations founded on mutual respect, understanding and shared interests.
National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Principal Secretary Siraj Uddin Miah, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed were present at the meeting.