CAIRO:
Bangladesh wanted to resolve its “outstanding grievances” from the war that led to the country’s creation in 1971 and move forward, chief advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a bilateral meeting in Cairo on Thursday.
Shehbaz, who is in the Egyptian capital to attend the meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization of the Developing Eight (D-8), held bilateral meetings with the leaders of the member countries on the sidelines of the summit, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister. Office.
A statement issued by Bangladesh’s Office of the Chief Adviser stated that Yunus had “agreed to strengthen relations” with Pakistan. “He [1971] The problems have continued to arise again and again,” Yunus told Shehbaz, according to the statement. “Let’s resolve those problems so we can move forward.”
The statement further stated that Senior Advisor Yunus and Prime Minister Shehbaz “agreed to strengthen relations between the two countries through increased trade and exchange of sports and cultural delegations.”
The Dhaka statement said both leaders “agreed to strengthen [bilateral] relations through increased trade, commerce and exchange of sports and cultural delegations.” He added that Yunus expressed his intentions to revive the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The moribund group of eight South Asian nations remained deadlocked for years due to India’s obstinacy towards Pakistan. “This is a top priority,” Yunus told Shehbaz. “I want a summit of Saarc leaders even if it is just for a photo session, because it will convey a strong message.”
On microblogging website X, Shehbaz described the meeting as cordial and said he had a “warm and cordial exchange” with Yunus. “Together, we reaffirm our commitment to deepening bilateral and multilateral collaboration,” he posted on the X social media platform.
A separate statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said the Shehbaz-Yunus meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, truly reflecting the goodwill and brotherly ties existing between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The Prime Minister, according to the statement, called for harnessing the huge potential to boost trade in different sectors including chemicals, cement clinker, surgical items, leather goods and information technology (IT).
Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s strong desire to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges. He expressed gratitude to Bangladesh for the recent measures to facilitate trade and travel between the two countries.
Shehbaz also thanked Bangladesh for removing additional clearance requirements for Pakistani visa applicants, waiving the condition of 100% physical inspection of consignments from Pakistan and abolishing special security counter at Dhaka airport for screening to Pakistani passengers.
While expressing satisfaction with recent positive developments in bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed to broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and emphasized the need to align efforts to achieve mutually beneficial development goals.
In the Egyptian capital, Shehbaz joined leaders of the D-8 countries at the 11th D-8 Summit, chaired by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The Cairo debate brought together leaders from Egypt, Türkiye, Iran, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia.
On the sidelines of the summit, Shehbaz also held bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He also met with Egyptian President El Sisi, who warmly received the prime minister at the Summit site.
During the meeting with Erdogan, both sides reiterated their determination to support each other on key issues of national interest, including Turkiye’s support for Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan’s support for Turkiye’s stance on the Cyprus issue.
They also discussed the latest situation in the Middle East and Syria. Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations for a promised homeland. They condemned Israeli genocidal actions against innocent Palestinians.
Shehbaz emphasized that the two countries should increase economic cooperation in new areas for foreign investment and joint ventures, particularly in IT, agriculture and green technology. They agreed to continue working together to further deepen economic, trade and defense cooperation.
Erdogan emphasized the need to work together closely to promote regional peace and stability. He appreciated notable improvement in Pakistan’s economy and also praised Pakistan for sending substantial humanitarian support to Palestine and Lebanon.
Speaking to the Iranian president during the bilateral meeting, Shehbaz stressed the importance of operationalizing the border markets, which had already been inaugurated. He called for joint efforts for the inauguration of the remaining markets.
Both leaders expressed the hope that the decisions taken at the D-8 Summit would pave the way for greater cooperation between member states in areas of mutual benefit. Shehbaz said Pakistan stands in complete solidarity with its brothers and sisters in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria.
Shehbaz also met Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to maintain momentum in bilateral relations with special emphasis on further deepening economic and trade ties.
Emphasizing Pakistan’s deep interest in collaborating with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Shehbaz said Pakistan appreciated Indonesia’s support in achieving sectoral partner status in ASEAN and membership of the ASEAN Regional Forum.
“With the support of Indonesia, Pakistan hopes to become a Full ASEAN Dialogue Partner,” he told President Subianto. Both leaders reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and called for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to the statement.
