Pakistan’s top general Sahir Shamshad Mirza met Bangladesh’s interim government chief Mohammad Yunus during his visit to Dhaka. In this meeting, both the leaders emphasized on increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh and helping each other. During the meeting, Mohammad Yunus presented a photograph to General Mirza, in which Assam and North-Eastern states of India are also included in the map of Bangladesh.

This meeting between the two took place at the State Guest House ‘Jamuna’ in Dhaka. During this, there was discussion on increasing economic, trade and defense cooperation between the two countries. According to sources, bilateral trade, investment opportunities and possibilities of expanding defense cooperation were discussed in the meeting. Both sides also recognized that the time has come when Pakistan and Bangladesh need to take economic partnership to a new level.

“Common cultural and historical thread” – Chief Advisor
According to the statement issued from the Chief Advisor Office, General Mirza said that there is a common historical and cultural thread between Pakistan and Bangladesh. He said that steps are being taken to increase contacts between the two countries. Mirza said that a two-way shipping route has started between Karachi and Chittagong, and air service between Dhaka-Karachi can also start soon.

Discussion on global tension and fake news also
The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe were also discussed in the meeting. Both sides said that there is a need to reduce tension and restore peace. Apart from this, they also shared views on the issue of spread of misinformation and regional instability by non-state actors.

Senior officials were also present
Bangladesh’s National Security Advisor Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Senior Secretary and SDG Coordinator Lamia Murshid, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Imran Haider were also present in this meeting. According to officials, this meeting is part of an initiative to revive dialogue between Dhaka and Islamabad. In recent years, relations between the two countries have been limited despite historical and trade ties, but this meeting is considered to be the beginning of a new chapter between the two.