In meeting with Pakistan envoy, Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina agrees to bolster ties

KARACHI: Both Dhaka and Islamabad agreed on Thursday to strengthen bilateral ties in a meeting of Pakistan’s envoy with Prime Minister Sehikh Hasina Wajid, according to a statement from the Pakistani High Commission.

The statement mentions that Sheikh Hasina expressed "good wishes" for Pakistan after she was informed that the country held the Bangladeshi leadership and people in high esteem and affection.

The HC said the Bangladeshi premier welcomed Pakistani High Commissioner in Dhaka Imran Ahmed Siddiqui and assured him of full support in the discharge of his official duties.

It added that the high commissioner conveyed the message of goodwill and friendship from PM Imran Khan, which Sheikh Hasina "reciprocated with her greetings and good wishes for the leadership of Pakistan".

"The two sides agreed to further strengthen the existing fraternal relations between the two countries," the statement added. "The meeting was held in a very cordial environment."

The meeting comes as part of PM Imran Khan's initiative to improve the tumultuous relations. In July, he had underscored the importance Pakistan attaches to closer ties with Bangladesh during a telephonic conversation with Sheikh Hasina.

PM Imran Khan had highlighted the significance of regular bilateral contacts and people-to-people exchanges.

"Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to SAARC, Prime Minister Imran Khan underlined the importance of both countries working for enhanced regional cooperation for sustainable peace and prosperity," a statement from the PM's Office had said.

PM Imran Khan, while offering condolences on the loss of lives due to COVID-19 in Bangladesh, commended measures taken by the leadership to contain the spread of the virus.