Phnom Penh, 6 August 2022 (TDI): Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto met the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, AK Abdul Momin.
The short meeting happened on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum in Cambodia on 5 August.
Foreign Minister Dr. A. K. Abdul Momen, MP met Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mr. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during the 29th meeting of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Phnom Penh yesterday. They were attending the ARF meeting. pic.twitter.com/qFIiQy2xP3
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh (@BDMOFA) August 6, 2022
The Foreign Minister of Pakistan conveyed to the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Pakistan’s commitment to close friendly ties with Bangladesh. Along with this, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh conveyed best wishes and prayers on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena. The two countries are hopeful for cordial and peaceful bilateral relations.
Had the pleasure of meeting FM AK Abdul Momen @BDMOFA of Bangladesh on the sidelines of ARF in Cambodia yesterday . I conveyed to him Pakistan’s commitment to close friendly ties with our brothers & sisters of Bangladesh. Also conveyed my best wishes to PM Sheikh Haseena. pic.twitter.com/Y9oNXUWYad
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) August 6, 2022
Foreign Minister Bilwal Bhutto assured the Bangali FM of friendly ties with Pakistan and its current government.
‘While flying over Bangladesh, I wish to convey my personal best wishes for your Excellency, good health and happiness. And for ever-increasing progress and prosperity of the brotherly people of Bangladesh,’ said Bhutto.
ASEAN 29th Ministerial Meeting
The ARF is an important platform for consultations. Above all, it provides a platform to Asia-Pacific countries on regional peace and security issues.
Since joining the ARF in 2004, Pakistan has been an active member of the Forum. Hence, it regularly participates in its activities.
The three days meeting began on 4 August in Combodia according to its schedule. It ended today, on 6 August. Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is leading the Pakistan delegation at the meeting.
Moreover, the Foreign Ministers and Representatives of the 27 ARF member countries will attend the meeting.
Furthermore, all Foreign Ministers will participate in deliberations on political and security issues of concern to the region. It aims at promoting common solutions through dialogue and cooperation.
Pakistan-Bangladesh Relations
The bilateral trade between Pakistan-Bangladesh is growing, albeit gradually. There is huge potential for bilateral economic and trade cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
According to the media report and statements of the ‘State Bank of Pakistan: ‘Pakistan’s trade with Bangladesh witnessed an increase of 46.65 percent during the first six months of the financial year (2021-22).’ There are also moves to establish compatible economic zones and alliances.
Moreover, former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s phone call to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in December 2020 proves that Pakistan is ready for a change. During the phone call, Imran Khan invited the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, to visit Islamabad.
Both countries have taken some initiatives to develop closer diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. Indeed, it is time to restructure relations.
