Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman agree to deepen bilateral ties at UNGA

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

What was agreed during the Shehbaz Sharif and Tarique Rahman bilateral summit?

During their first high-level meeting since Premier Rahman took office earlier in the year, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly session—presided over by Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman—and pledged Islamabad's support for Bangladesh's multilateral objectives.

Reciprocating the goodwill gesture, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman noted his government's strong desire to enhance economic and diplomatic ties with Pakistan based on mutual respect and understanding.

According to official statements from the Pakistani Prime Minister's Office and reporting by Anadolu Agency, the two leaders agreed to advance cooperation across several core areas:

• Economic Cooperation: Expanding bilateral trade volumes, joint investments, and trade facilitation mechanisms.
• Connectivity & Tourism: Regional transport linkages, direct maritime/aviation connectivity, and bilateral tourism.
• Institutional & Social Exchanges: Broadening educational exchanges, cultural initiatives, and people-to-people contacts.

How does the meeting reflect broader regional diplomacy at UNGA 81?

The summit underscores efforts to revitalize South Asian diplomatic relations and deepen economic cooperation following recent political transitions in the region. Both prime ministers emphasized the importance of sustained coordination at multilateral forums, particularly within the United Nations framework, to address regional economic priorities and global development goals.

In addition to his discussions with Bangladesh, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducted bilateral talks in New York with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, reaffirming Pakistan's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sharif is scheduled to deliver Pakistan's national statement during the UN General Debate on Friday, September 25.