Bangladesh-Pakistan Foreign Secretary-Level Talks Resume After 15 Years

Bangladesh-Pakistan Foreign Secretary-Level Talks Resume After 15 Years PROTHOMALO
After a 15-year pause, Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed talks at the foreign secretary level, marking a significant diplomatic development. The meeting, held on April 17, 2025, in Dhaka, marks a renewed effort by both nations to strengthen bilateral relations and address longstanding issues.
Reviving Diplomatic Engagement
The talks were led by Bangladesh's Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch. This meeting is the first of its kind since the last session held in Islamabad in 2010. The PROTHOMALO DHAKA TRIBUNE discussions aimed to improve cooperation in a variety of areas, including trade, investment, cultural exchange, and regional collaboration. The resumption of these talks follows a series of diplomatic engagements between the two countries. Notably, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo in December 2024 and the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2024. These high-level interactions set the stage for renewed dialogue and cooperation. THE FINANCIAL EXPRESS
Key Areas of Discussion
During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of revitalizing the Joint Economic Commission, which last convened in 2005. They discussed strategies to boost bilateral trade, reduce trade imbalances, and explore new avenues for economic collaboration, PROTHOMALO
The officials also addressed the need to enhance people-to-people contacts through cultural exchanges, tourism, and academic collaborations. They acknowledged the positive impact of recent cultural events and expressed interest in organizing more such initiatives to foster mutual understanding, DAILY OBSERVER
Another focus was regional cooperation, with both nations pledging to strengthen ties through organizations like SAARC, OIC, and D-8. They recognized the potential of these platforms to address shared challenges and promote regional stability.
Addressing Historical Concerns
A significant aspect of the discussions involved addressing unresolved historical issues stemming from the 1971 Liberation War. Bangladesh reiterated its longstanding demands, including an official apology from Pakistan, compensation for war damages, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, r assets PROTHOMALO air share of pre-1971
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized the importance of resolving these issues to pave the way for a more robust bilateral relationship. He stated, "These issues keep resurfacing. Let us move forward and resolve them once and for all" PROTHOMALO
Future Prospects
The foreign secretary-level talks are expected to be followed by a visit from Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Dhaka on April 22, 2025. This visit aims to further solidify the commitments made during the recent discussions and explore additional areas of cooperation, PROTHOMALO
Both nations have shown a willingness to move beyond past grievances and focus on building a future-oriented partnership. The resumption of high-level talks signifies a mutual desire to enhance diplomatic ties, promote economic growth, and contribute to regional peace and stability, PROTHOMALD
As Bangladesh and Pakistan navigate this renewed phase of engagement, the international community will be watching closely to see how these efforts translate into tangible outcomes that benefit both nations and the broader South Asian region.