ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across a range of sectors, the Pakistani foreign ministry said on Sunday, amid a thaw in ties between the two countries.

Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the same country until Bangladesh’s secession following a bloody civil war in 1971, an event that long cast a shadow over bilateral ties.

Both countries have moved closer since 2024, following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who was considered an India ally as Dhaka-New Delhi ties remain strained over India’s decision to grant asylum to her.

On Sunday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with his Bangladeshi counterpart Dr. Khalil-ur-Rahman and congratulated him on his appointment, according to the Pakistani foreign ministry.

“Both leaders expressed desire to further strengthening bilateral ties, with a shared vision of peace, stability, and prosperity,” the Pakistani ministry said.

“They also agreed to expand cooperation across diverse sectors and in multilateral fora, building a forward-looking partnership for the peoples of Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

The two South Asian nations began sea trade in late 2024, which were followed by efforts to expand government-to-government commerce. Last month, national carrier Biman Bangladesh Airlines landed in the Pakistani port city of Karachi for the first regular flight since 2012.

Amid growing institutional linkages between the two nations, Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif last week said he hoped to further strengthen relations with Bangladesh as Tarique Rahman took oath as the country’s new premier.

Pakistani Planning Miniter Ahsan Iqbal also called on PM Tarique after his oath-taking ceremony in Dhaka and conveyed warm congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan on his election, according to the Pakistani information ministry.

“Iqbal conveyed a formal invitation from the prime minister of Pakistan to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date,” the ministry said.