Dhaka (TDI): Pakistan and Bangladesh have welcomed the launch of direct shipping between Karachi and Chittagong and underscored the need to resume direct air links.
The development came during the sixth round of Foreign Secretary Level Consultations (FSLC) held in Dhaka on Thursday.
Both sides also expressed satisfaction over the progress made in easing travel and visa facilitation, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.
The talks, commencing after a hiatus of fifteen years, were led by the Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Amna Baloch and Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin.
The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and reflected a mutual resolve to revitalise bilateral engagement, the statement added.
The two sides comprehensively discussed political, economic, cultural, educational, and strategic collaboration, underpinned by shared history, cultural affinities, and the shared aspirations of their peoples.
Satisfaction was expressed at recent high-level contacts in New York, Samoa, Cairo and Jeddah, which have helped re-energise bilateral ties.
Read More: Pakistan, Bangladesh Resume FO Consultative Talks After 15 Years
Both sides stressed the significance of maintaining momentum through regular institutional dialogue, early finalisation of pending deals, and strengthened cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and connectivity.
Islamabad offered academic opportunities in its agricultural universities, while Dhaka offered technical training in fisheries and maritime studies.
The Bangladeshi side also appreciated scholarship offers from private universities in Pakistan and highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration in the education sector.
Read More: Pakistan, Bangladesh Vow to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
The Bangladeshi side lauded recent performances by renowned Pakistani artists in Dhaka, while the Pakistani side encouraged reciprocal cultural exchanges.
Prospects for broader collaboration in sports, media, and cultural institutions were also came under discussion, including the finalisation of multiple MoUs in these areas.
On multilateral issues, both sides reaffirmed the need to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in line with its founding principles.
