The latest Foreign Secretary-Level Bilateral Consultations between Bangladesh and Pakistan held in Dhaka yesterday (17 April) were held in a cordial atmosphere and reflected a shared resolve to revitalise bilateral engagement, Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement published on its website on Friday.
"Pakistan and Bangladesh convened the Sixth Round of Foreign Secretary-Level Bilateral Consultations in Dhaka on 17 April 2025, following a hiatus of 15 years.
"The talks, led by Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch (Pakistan) and Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin (Bangladesh), were held in a cordial atmosphere and reflected a shared resolve to revitalize bilateral engagement," the statement reads.
"The two sides held a comprehensive exchange on political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation, underpinned by shared history, cultural affinities, and the common aspirations of their peoples. Satisfaction was expressed at recent high-level contacts in New York, Cairo, Samoa, and Jeddah, which have helped reenergize the bilateral relationship," it also notes.
On the FS-level meeting, the Pakistani ministry said both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum through regular institutional dialogue, early finalisation of pending agreements, and enhanced cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity.
"Pakistan offered academic opportunities in its agricultural universities, while Bangladesh offered technical training in fisheries and maritime studies.
The Bangladeshi side also acknowledged scholarship offers from private universities in Pakistan and underscored the need for deeper cooperation in the education sector," it adds.
The meeting also recognised connectivity as a priority and the two sides welcomed the launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chattogram.
They also emphasised the importance of resuming direct air links and expressed satisfaction over the progress made in easing travel and visa facilitation, states the ministry statement.
"Bangladeshi side appreciated recent performances by renowned Pakistani artists in Dhaka, while the Pakistani side encouraged reciprocal cultural exchanges," the statement wrote on discussions regarding cultural exchanges.
Prospects for broader cooperation in sports, media, and cultural institutions were discussed, including the finalisation of various MoUs in these areas, it added.
"On multilateral issues, both sides reaffirmed the need to revitalise SAARC in line with its founding principles.
At the meeting, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch "appreciated the vision of the Bangladeshi leadership and expressed hope that the SAARC process would remain insulated from bilateral political considerations".
She also briefed the Bangladeshi side on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), emphasising the need for an early resolution of the dispute in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
While reviewing the Middle East situation, the two sides strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression and grave human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, particularly in Gaza, according to the statement.
The statement also mentions that Baloch held separate meetings with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.
"Discussions focused on regional integration, economic linkages, and the importance of insulating bilateral ties from external pressures. A shared commitment to a forward-looking partnership emerged. The foreign adviser looked forward to the forthcoming visit of Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan," it adds.
"The next round of Consultations will be held in Islamabad in 2026," it also said.
Meanwhile, in a press briefing following the foreign office consultations between the two countries, Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin said Pakistan assured them of remaining engaged with Bangladesh to resolve historically unsettled issues, including an official apology for the 1971 genocide, the repayment of $4.5 billion owed to Bangladesh, and the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis.
The Pakistani ministry statement, however, did not mention anything about the issues specifically.
The foreign secretary said Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also scheduled to pay an official visit to Bangladesh on 27-28 April.
