Dhaka: In a significant step toward restoring diplomatic ties, Pakistan and Bangladesh have resumed bilateral Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) after a 15-year gap. The consultations, aimed at strengthening dialogue and cooperation, are being held today (Thursday) in Dhaka.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch arrived in Dhaka on a two-day visit to lead the Pakistani delegation. Her Bangladeshi counterpart, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin, is heading the host country’s delegation. The meeting is taking place at the State Guest House Padma.
According to reports from Bangladeshi media, the two sides are expected to discuss key issues of mutual interest, the regional situation, and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation. Following the talks, Amna Baloch is scheduled to meet with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain. She will also engage with think tanks and members of the Pakistani diaspora in Dhaka later in the evening.
This renewed engagement follows warming ties between the two countries since the fall of the Awami League-led government in August last year. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have met twice—first during the UN General Assembly in New York and later at the D-8 summit in Cairo.
In recent months, Bangladesh has eased visa regulations for Pakistani nationals and initiated direct shipping links, indicating a shift toward greater openness. Pakistan, in turn, has expressed interest in cultural exchanges and enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, and investment.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also expected to visit Bangladesh later this month, underscoring the growing momentum in diplomatic engagement.
“Pakistan sees potential for boosting exports to Bangladesh, especially if their products are price competitive,” said Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan, who is also in Dhaka for the talks.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.