Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif met in Cairo to discuss resolving historical 1971 issues and enhancing bilateral relations. They emphasized the importance of settling these concerns for future generations and explored the revival of the SAARC to strengthen ties through trade and cultural exchanges.
On December 20, 2024, Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened in Cairo during the D-8 Summit, where they discussed crucial issues stemming from the 1971 war, emphasizing the need to resolve these matters for future generations. Yunus urged a definitive settlement of historical grievances to allow for a progressive relationship between Dhaka and Islamabad. Moreover, the leaders explored revitalizing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and collectively strengthening the bilateral ties through trade and cultural exchanges.
Sharif expressed his intent to foster strategic ties with Bangladesh and acknowledged the facilitation of trade, including the relief from stringent inspection requirements for shipments from Pakistan. Recently, the first direct cargo vessel from Karachi arrived at Chittagong port, a significant milestone in amending economic cooperation. The two leaders also recognized the importance of restoring direct air travel between the countries, with Bangladesh planning to resume flights to and from Pakistan.
The relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan has been historically strained due to the events surrounding the 1971 Liberation War. As Bangladesh seeks to enhance its diplomatic and economic ties with Pakistan, addressing the unresolved issues from that period has become crucial. The D-8 Summit in Cairo provided a platform for Yunus and Sharif to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at establishing a stable and cooperative future. The potential revival of SAARC is a reflection of the broader ambition to foster regional collaboration and peace among South Asian countries.
The conversations between Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Cairo signify a progressive step towards reconciling historical issues between Bangladesh and Pakistan. By addressing these longstanding grievances, the two nations aim to build a more robust relationship characterized by enhanced trade, cultural exchanges, and stronger regional cooperation through SAARC. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering peace and collaboration for the benefit of future generations.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
