Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation today with Professor Muhammad Yunus, the newly appointed Chief Adviser to the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. 

The call marked a moment of mutual respect and cooperation between the two South Asian nations.

Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Professor Yunus on his recent assumption of the office of Chief Adviser and praised his longstanding contributions to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. 

He also expressed heartfelt sympathies for the devastation caused by the recent floods in Bangladesh, underscoring Pakistan's solidarity with the affected communities.

The Pakistan Prime Minister emphasised the importance of revitalising the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh, proposing enhanced cooperation in various sectors. 

He highlighted the deep historical, religious, and cultural bonds shared by the two nations and expressed a strong desire to strengthen commercial relations, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts.

Both leaders agreed on the necessity of working closely to ensure the progress and prosperity of the people in both countries. They also recognised the potential of greater regional cooperation in uplifting the lives of the people across South Asia.

The Pakistan Prime Minister underscored the necessity to resume mechanisms like foreign secretary-level consultations and the Joint Economic Commission between Dhaka and Islamabad. He also stressed the need to reinvigorate the SAARC process.

The Chief Adviser said he is committed to revitalising SAARC as a top regional forum to boost ties among the South Asian nations. He highlighted the necessity of holding regular SAARC summits and stressed holding even a brief meeting among the heads of state and governments of the SAARC states at the earliest convenience.

Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his gratitude to PM Sharif for the call and conveyed his appreciation for Pakistan's support during these challenging times. The conversation concluded on a note of mutual commitment to deepening the ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

BDST: 1613 HRS, AUG 30, 2024
MN