Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday held a bilateral meeting with Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus and appreciated the steps taken by Dhaka to promote trade, emphasizing the need to make further joint efforts to explore new avenues of economic cooperation, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
In the meeting held on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed taking advantage of great potential to boost trade in different sectors including chemicals, cement clinkers, surgical goods, leather goods and IT.
The meeting took place in a cordial environment, truly reflecting the existing goodwill and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to a PM Office press release.
Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted the historical, religious and cultural linkages between the two countries. He expressed Pakistan’s keen desire to enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges.
He expressed his gratitude to Bangladesh for the recent steps taken for the facilitation of trade and travel between Pakistan and Bangladesh. This includes waiving off the condition of 100% physical inspection of the consignments from Pakistan and abolishment of special security desk at the Dhaka airport earlier established to scrutinize Pakistani passengers.
Shehbaz Sharif also thanked Bangladesh for doing away with additional clearance requirement for Pakistani visa applicants.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over recent positive developments in bilateral relations and noted with satisfaction the increasing frequency of high-level contacts.
They agreed to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and emphasized the need to align efforts to achieve mutually beneficial development objectives.
The two leaders acknowledged the importance of people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges including enhanced exchange of artists, sportspersons, academics, and students etc. They noted with satisfaction the recent visit by the Bangladesh Cricket Team to Pakistan and a concert of a Pakistani artist in Dhaka.
Both sides agreed to forge greater cooperation at various multilateral fora, including D-8.
Pakistan hopes to become full-fledged ASEAN member
Pakistan has expressed the desire that Islamabad would become a full-fledged dialogue partner of ASEAN soon with Indonesia’s cooperation and support.
This was said by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif when he met with the President of Indonesia, His Excellency Prabowo Subianto, on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated His Excellency Prabowo on assuming the office of President.
The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, including bilateral relations, including political, trade and economic matters, as well as cooperation in multilateral forums. The two leaders stressed the need to further strengthen economic and trade relations and agreed to remain in close contact to maintain bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Indonesia is a reliable trading partner of Pakistan. He especially appreciated Indonesia's role as a palm oil supplier, as Pakistan imports a large portion of its edible oil needs from Indonesia.
Expressing Pakistan’s keen interest in engaging with ASEAN and its member states, Prime Minister Shahbaz appreciated Indonesia’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to attain sectoral partner status in ASEAN and membership of the ASEAN Regional Forum.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that Pakistan, with Indonesia’s cooperation and support, would become a full-fledged dialogue partner of ASEAN.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also invited President Prabowo Subianto to visit Pakistan, which he accepted.
The two leaders reiterated their unwavering support for Palestine, called for a ceasefire in Gaza, and called for a comprehensive approach to resolving the Palestinian issue.
The two leaders reiterated their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, with pre-1967 borders and with Jerusalem as its capital.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he will present Pakistan’s perspective on Gaza and Lebanon in the special session of the D-8 Summit.
In a social media post, upon his arrival in Cairo, the Prime Minister said he will join like-minded leaders to deliberate on shaping the economy of the future by investing in youth and supporting small and medium enterprises, as well as charting ways to foster partnerships for mutual benefit, promote entrepreneurship, and advance innovation.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan looks forward to contributing to this important gathering as one of its founding members.
Reporter Awais Kiyani