Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stressed the need to further strengthen ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

According to Radio Pakistan, during a meeting with Bangladesh’s Adviser on Religious Affairs, Dr. Abdul Fayez Muhammad Khalid Hossain, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, which include people-to-people contacts, academic exchanges, trade, and economic relations. He noted that the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh are deeply rooted in shared history, cultural ties, and familial affinities.

The Prime Minister fondly recalled their meetings in New York and Cairo, and lauded the visionary leadership of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus for his role in poverty alleviation and his desire to strengthen ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that both countries would continue to exchange high-level visits to maintain the existing momentum in bilateral relations. He reiterated his invitation to the Chief Adviser to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his convenience. The Bangladeshi side also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Chief Adviser and the government of Bangladesh.

Both sides also discussed the prospects of the early resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and Bangladesh.