Pakistan, Bangladesh reaffirm commitment to deepen bilateral ties

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar met Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rehman on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila.

The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral ties, according to Pakistan's Foreign Office, as both countries look to build on recent gains in trade and connectivity.

What did Pakistan and Bangladesh agree on in Manila?

The two ministers reviewed what the Foreign Office called the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and discussed ways to expand cooperation. They welcomed growing engagement, including increased people-to-people contacts and improved connectivity since the launch of direct flights earlier this year, and agreed to sustain this momentum.

Rehman, who is also president-elect of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, held the meeting with Dar during the ASEAN Regional Forum Ministerial Meeting, the Foreign Office said. Both sides noted renewed momentum in bilateral relations following Dar's visit to Bangladesh last year and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties.

Dar and Rehman also exchanged views on regional and international developments. They reaffirmed their commitment to continued coordination on issues of shared concern, the Foreign Office added.

How have Pakistan-Bangladesh relations improved recently?

Relations between the two countries have improved steadily since 2024, with both governments working to increase economic cooperation. In February, Biman Bangladesh Airlines operated its first regular flight between the two countries since 2012, landing in the Pakistani port city of Karachi. The two sides also began sea trade in late 2024 and have pursued efforts to expand government-to-government commerce.

Why did Pakistan-Bangladesh ties change after 1971?

Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of the same country until Bangladesh gained independence following the 1971 war, an event that shaped bilateral relations for decades.

The renewed diplomatic engagement in Manila reflects efforts by both governments to build closer ties across trade, travel and diplomacy going forward.