Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan reached out to Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, in a telephone conversation on Friday. The discussion focused on revitalizing bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation across multiple domains, including trade, culture, and regional development.
During the call, Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Yunus on his recent appointment and acknowledged his contributions to Bangladesh’s socio-economic development. The Prime Minister also conveyed sympathies for the devastation caused by the recent floods in Bangladesh, expressing Pakistan’s willingness to support those affected. Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening commercial relations, cultural exchanges, and fostering people-to-people contacts to promote mutual prosperity.
Shared Vision for Regional Prosperity
The two leaders agreed on the need to work closely for the progress and prosperity of their nations. They emphasized that greater regional cooperation could uplift the lives of the 1.8 billion people in South Asia. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the potential in resuming mechanisms such as foreign secretary-level consultations and the Joint Economic Commission between Dhaka and Islamabad. He also stressed the need to reinvigorate the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) process, recognizing it as a vital forum for regional dialogue and economic cooperation.
Professor Yunus, a Nobel Laureate known for his contributions to microfinance, expressed his commitment to revitalizing SAARC, underscoring the necessity of holding regular summits and proposing a brief meeting among the heads of state at the earliest opportunity. He emphasized strengthening economic ties and fostering connections between the people of both nations.
Addressing Historical Challenges and Future Cooperation
The conversation comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, which recently witnessed significant political upheaval leading to the appointment of Yunus as Chief Adviser. His interim government is tasked with steering the country through fresh elections, following a student-led movement that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protests, initially against quotas in government jobs, escalated due to harsh economic conditions and political repression.
Despite a complex shared history marked by conflict and separation, both Pakistan and Bangladesh appear keen on turning a new page. “Both leaders agreed that greater regional cooperation could play a vital role in uplifting the lives of the people of South Asia,” the Pakistan Foreign Office noted in a statement. Professor Yunus, reflecting on the potential for improved relations, said, “Strengthening economic ties and people-to-people connections between the two nations can pave the way for a brighter future.”
The renewed dialogue and commitment from both sides mark a promising step toward improving bilateral relations. The emphasis on commercial and cultural connections, coupled with a shared vision for regional prosperity, could help navigate past complexities and pave the way for a more cooperative and integrated South Asia.
source : globalvillagespace