ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday invited his Bangladeshi counterpart, Sheikh Hasina, to Islamabad as they discussed bilateral cooperation in a telephonic conversation, the premier’s office confirmed.
The invitation comes amid other diplomatic moves suggesting improving relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated his cordial invitation to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit Pakistan,” the premier office’s said in a statement, adding that “Pakistan is committed to deepening fraternal relations with Bangladesh on the basis of mutual trust, mutual respect and sovereign equality.”
The two leaders also discussed coronavirus response and “their respective steps to deal with the myriad of challenges posed by COVID-19.”
The development is yet another one hinting at a thaw in Pakistani-Bangladeshi relations.
A “quiet” meeting earlier this month between Pakistan’s envoy to Dhaka, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A. K. Abdul Momen has also raised hopes for improvement in bilateral ties.
The relationship has been tense since the 1971 war that led to Bangladesh’s separation from Pakistan.
It reached a new low in 2016 after Bangladesh executed several leaders of its Jamaat-e-Islami on charges of committing war crimes in 1971, in what Pakistan has called “politically motivated trials.”
In rare call, PM Khan invites Bangladesh counterpart to Pakistan
https://arab.news/jkpur
In rare call, PM Khan invites Bangladesh counterpart to Pakistan
- The call comes amid other diplomatic developments suggesting improving relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh
- Earlier this month, Pakistan’s envoy to Dhaka met with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister A. K. Abdul Momen
Pakistan Navy chief in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, discuss maritime security
- Pakistan Navy chief in Malaysia to strengthen operational cooperation, discuss maritime security
- Navy chief calls for strengthened cooperation between hydrographic offices of both countries
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf is in Malaysia where he held talks with the leadership of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to enhance operational cooperation, capacity building and responses to maritime security challenges, the Pakistani Navy said on Sunday.
Pakistan and Malaysia have historically enjoyed close ties ever since they established diplomatic ties in 1957. Both countries have strengthened cooperation in various sectors such as defense, trade, economy, manpower exports and education over the years.
Ashraf was received at the RMN’s headquarters by Admiral Tan Sri (Dr.) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, the RMN chief, Pakistan’s Navy said in a statement.
“Discussions focused on aligning strategic perspectives and enhancing operational cooperation, capacity building, and coordinated responses to maritime security challenges,” the statement said.
Ashraf highlighted Pakistan Navy’s contributions to regional stability through the Regional Maritime Security Patrols and its participation in the Combined Maritime Forces.
He also visited Malaysia’s National Hydrographic Center, calling for strengthened cooperation with Pakistan’s National Hydrographic Office in training, data exchange, and professional collaboration.
“The visit reaffirmed the enduring Pakistan-Malaysia naval partnership and commitment to future-oriented maritime cooperation,” Pakistan Navy said.
Pakistan’s army, navy and air force have aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation with their counterparts since last year when Pakistan and India were embroiled in a brief military confrontation.
Both countries pounded each other with missiles, drone strikes, fighter jets and artillery fire for four days until Washington brokered a ceasefire between them on May 10.
