Islamabad: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has sent a congratulatory message to the people of Bangladesh on the country’s 50th anniversary of its independence on Friday.
In his letter to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, PM Khan said that Pakistan seeks to build new ties with Bangladesh to bring the future generations of the two countries together for shared prosperity. “We would like to fortify our existing bonds with brotherly Bangladesh and build new ones for our succeeding generations, as we believe the destinies of our two people are intertwined,” PM Khan said.
PM Imran Khan also invited the Bangladesh prime minister to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience, saying he was confident it would open a new chapter in fraternal relations.
Renewed resolve
Congratulating his counterpart on the independence day, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, Khan said: “Let us renew our resolve to jointly work for a better future for our peoples and even closer ties between our two countries.” He further said that “Pakistan deeply values its fraternal ties with Bangladesh, which are based on shared history, common faith, and convergence of interests in promoting lasting peace and security as well as sustainable prosperity in our region and beyond.”
The centenary events to commemorate Bangladesh’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reflect the “far-sighted vision of reconciliation and friendship between our two peoples, so dearly cherished by the leaders of Pakistan and Bangladesh” the premier said, adding “Pakistan remains a sincere partner in the fullest realisation of this vision.”
“Positive sign”
The letter comes after the Pakistani premier received a similar congratulatory message from PM Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Pakistan’s national day on March 23. The Bangladeshi PM underlined the “immense potential” to further deepen and diversify the bilateral ties in the coming years to pave the path of the shared journey towards development and peace for the people. Experts termed the development a “positive move” and “sign of meaningful improvement” to mend the strained ties between the two countries.
Economic ties
In recent months, Islamabad has been actively pursuing to build better ties with all neigbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh. The removal of visa restrictions for Bangladeshi citizens and steps to improve trade ties signify Pakistan’s efforts in this regard. Pakistan’s President Dr Arif Alvi recently expressed Islamabad’s desire to boost bilateral ties with Bangladesh at all levels. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Siddiqui also stated that the country is eager to boost economic ties with Bangladesh with the resumption of direct flights and establishing maritime connectivity.
