Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman reaffirmed their commitment to further cement two countries bilateral relations. They met in Manila today during the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, Ishaq Dar and Khalilur Rehman reviewed the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and the renewed momentum following Dar’s visit to Bangladesh last year.
The ministers also welcomed growing engagement between the two countries.
They highlighted increased people-to-people contacts and improved connectivity following the launch of direct flights this year.
Furthermore, both sides agreed to maintain the positive momentum and expand bilateral cooperation.
Dar and Rehman also exchanged views on regional and international matters of mutual interest.
Dar attends ASEAN Regional Forum
Earlier, Dar arrived in Manila with a Pakistani delegation to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum ministerial meeting.
The foreign minister is scheduled to participate in the ARF plenary meeting and hold bilateral discussions with his counterparts.
The Foreign Office said Dar had a busy programme of engagements planned during the forum.
Upon arrival, Philippine Foreign Affairs Department Assistant Secretary Elmer G Cato and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Philippines Asima Rabbani welcomed him.
The week-long forum will continue until July 24 and brings together foreign ministers and senior diplomats from ASEAN countries and major powers.
Meanwhile, participants will discuss geopolitical challenges, energy supplies, trade, food security and regional cooperation.
They will also address Myanmar’s civil war, the Five-Point Consensus and the impact of the US-Iran conflict.
