CHITTAGONG/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh have reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced regional connectivity and cooperation by launching direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong, and calling for the resumption of direct air links.
The development was announced during the 6th round of Foreign Secretary Level Consultations (FSLC) held in Dhaka on April 17, marking the first such dialogue in 15 years. Led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and her Bangladeshi counterpart Md Jashim Uddin, the talks were described as cordial and reflective of a mutual resolve to rejuvenate bilateral engagement.
According to the Foreign Office, both sides expressed satisfaction with recent progress on easing travel and visa processes and held wide-ranging discussions on political, economic, educational, cultural, and strategic cooperation, rooted in shared history and cultural ties.
They welcomed high-level engagements on the sidelines of international forums in New York, Cairo, Samoa, and Jeddah, viewing them as instrumental in re-energizing relations. Both sides emphasized the importance of regular institutional dialogue, swift finalisation of pending agreements, and deeper collaboration in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity.
Pakistan offered academic opportunities in its agricultural universities, while Bangladesh extended training in fisheries and maritime studies. Bangladesh also acknowledged private university scholarships offered by Pakistan and stressed the importance of advancing educational ties.
Cultural diplomacy was also discussed, with Bangladesh praising recent performances by Pakistani artists in Dhaka, and Pakistan encouraging reciprocal exchanges. Plans for further collaboration in sports, media, and cultural institutions are under consideration, including the finalisation of MoUs in these areas.
On multilateral issues, both sides reiterated their support for revitalising SAARC in line with its founding vision. The Pakistani Foreign Secretary expressed hope that the SAARC process would be shielded from bilateral political tensions.
She also briefed her hosts on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling for its resolution as per UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Both nations condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and called for an end to human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Foreign Secretary Baloch also met separately with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Touhid Hossain. The meetings emphasized the need to strengthen regional integration, bolster economic ties, and pursue a forward-looking, independent bilateral relationship.
