After nearly a decade and a half, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to resume their high-level diplomatic dialogue through a Foreign Office Consultation (FOC), scheduled to take place in Dhaka on Thursday. This marks a significant step in reinvigorating bilateral relations that have remained relatively dormant at the official level since 2010.
Delegations and Venue
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is slated to arrive in Dhaka on Wednesday, leading a delegation from Islamabad. The FOC will be hosted at the State Guest House Padma, a customary venue for important diplomatic engagements.
On the Bangladeshi side, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin will head the team, as confirmed by a senior official of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
Agenda: Broad and Comprehensive Dialogue Expected
Although no specific or rigid agenda has been publicly announced, both countries are expected to hold comprehensive discussions covering all areas of mutual interest.
“After such a long hiatus, it is difficult to prioritize topics in advance, but the talks will be comprehensive,” said the foreign ministry official.
The emphasis will be on rebuilding trust, generating new economic opportunities, and exploring chances for collaboration across industries.
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Focus on Trade and Economic Cooperation.
Trade is expected to be a prominent theme throughout the consultation. According to Md Iqbal Hussain Khan, Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Pakistan, Islamabad is particularly keen in expanding bilateral trade, with a focus on growing exports to Bangladesh.
“Pakistan sees potential for boosting exports to Bangladesh, especially if their products are price competitive,” said Khan. Among the major export items, cotton is a priority for Pakistan due to its importance in Bangladesh’s textile and garments sector.
Khan also pointed out that Pakistan’s geographic position—serving as a trade gateway for Afghanistan and Iran—could offer Bangladesh new import routes, provided the transport and logistical costs remain manageable.
Reviving Air Connectivity
Another critical topic likely to be discussed is the restoration of direct air connectivity between the two countries, which has been missing for years.
The High Commissioner revealed that two Pakistani private carriers—Fly Jinnah and Air Sial (based in Sialkot)—have shown active interest in launching direct flights to Dhaka.
- Fly Jinnah is apparently awaiting fleet expansion before launching operations.
- Air Sial, on the other hand, has already applied to the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) and expects to commence flights within two months after gaining the required licenses.
Direct aircraft links are expected to increase tourism, trade, and people-to-people interactions, resulting in improved cultural and economic relations between the two countries.
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Historical Issues: Acknowledged, But Not a Barrier
When asked about the historically sensitive issues between the two countries, High Commissioner Khan acknowledged their existence but suggested that such unresolved matters should not obstruct the path of present-day cooperation.
“These issues often persist in bilateral relations worldwide. But they should not hinder current engagement, particularly in economic areas,” he noted.
High-Level Courtesy Calls and Upcoming Ministerial Visit
During her stay, Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is expected to pay courtesy calls on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain following the FOC.
In a further boost to bilateral diplomacy, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, is scheduled to visit Dhaka later this month, marking the first visit by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh since 2012.
“We are still finalizing the date, but the visit is likely to take place in the last week of April,” confirmed the MoFA official.
Last FOC Held in 2010
The last Foreign Office Consultation between Bangladesh and Pakistan took place in 2010, and the upcoming meeting signifies a renewed diplomatic momentum aimed at normalizing and potentially enhancing relations.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
