Bangladesh and Pakistan are holding Foreign Secretary-level talks today, marking the first such meeting between the two countries in 15 years. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday (April 16th) for the discussions.
The meeting is taking place this morning, Thursday (April 17th), at the State Guest House Padma. Bangladesh's delegation is being led by Foreign Secretary Md. Jasim Uddin.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the discussions will cover a wide range of bilateral issues. "No topic is off the table in this platform; everything is discussed. We will review the progress made, what needs to be done, and what can be given or taken," the official said. Key areas of focus are expected to include cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity – particularly air travel – defense, education, agriculture, fisheries, culture, and sports.
Furthermore, the officials indicated that there is an opportunity to discuss strengthening regional and multilateral relations within platforms such as SAARC, OIC, and D-8.
Sources familiar with the matter note that this is the sixth Foreign Secretary-level meeting between the two countries in over a decade. The last such meeting was held in Islamabad in 2010. Additionally, the last meeting of the Economic Commission at the Finance Minister level took place in 2005. Following this long gap, it is anticipated that discussions will include the possibility of holding the next Economic Commission meeting.
A diplomatic source in Dhaka suggests that the primary focus of the discussions will be proposals to strengthen bilateral relations. Pakistan may also raise the issue of reviving a joint commission to enhance coordination between Bangladesh and Pakistan on political, economic, and social matters. On the other hand, Bangladesh is expected to propose a specialized program for cultural exchange with Pakistan.
Following the Foreign Secretary-level meeting and a luncheon, Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch will also pay courtesy calls on Foreign Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain and Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to visit Dhaka later this month to discuss bilateral relations. The ongoing visit of the Pakistani Foreign Secretary will also include discussions regarding the upcoming visit of the Foreign Minister.
