Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday 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 youths.
“I encourage SAARC, and I see our relationship with Pakistan and other SAARC countries as one of the highest priorities,” he said when Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, paid a courtesy call on him at the State Guest House Jamuna.
The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties, boosting trade, youth-to-youth exchanges, increased education and cultural exchanges and revitalizing regional cooperation through SAARC.
Deputy Prime Minister Dar conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. “Our Prime Minister sends you his best wishes,” he said.
Prof Yunus warmly reciprocated, recalling past exchanges with Prime Minister Sharif, said the Chief Adviser’s press wing.
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“Every 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,” 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, Deputy Prime Minister Dar said, “I feel our two economies are complementary. There are many areas where we can work together.”
He also praised Professor Yunus’ contributions to poverty alleviation and community empowerment, saying, “Bangladesh is fortunate to have a head of government like you, a leader who inspires the world.”
The Deputy Prime Minister also held discussions with several Advisers, including those responsible for Energy and Commerce, and met representatives from various political parties.
The discussion covered revival of old connections between the two countries, promoting youth linkages, enhancing connectivity, and augmenting trade and economic cooperation, according to the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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The recent developments in the region and the prospects of regional cooperation were also discussed.
The DPM/FM conveyed the Prime Minister’s greetings for the Chief Adviser.
He apprised the Chief Adviser of his engagements in Dhaka and the key outcomes of his visit.
He also thanked the Chief Adviser for the excellent visit arrangements and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the course of visit.
While acknowledging that some sensitive issues remain, Prof Yunus emphasised several areas of collaboration, including frequent cultural exchanges.
“When Pakistani singers perform in Bangladesh, everyone appreciates their talent. That is the spirit we must build upon,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister 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.
“By October, we hope Fly Jinnah will launch direct flights between our two countries. The PIA is also expected to launch direct flights to Dhaka once the airlines is privatised,” he said.
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’s Special Envoy for International Affairs, Lutfey Siddiqi.