Dhaka, Apr 17 (V7N) – After a 15-year hiatus, Bangladesh and Pakistan have resumed bilateral talks at the foreign secretary level, marking a significant step toward reviving diplomatic ties between the two South Asian nations.

The meeting commenced at 10:30 AM on Thursday at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka. Bangladesh’s delegation is being led by Foreign Secretary M Jasim Uddin, while Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is heading her country's side.

The long-awaited dialogue is focusing on a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations, regional security, trade, investment, agriculture, and air connectivity. Officials say the discussion is expected to lay the groundwork for further cooperation in various sectors.

Relations between the two countries had remained largely stagnant during the 15-year rule of the Awami League government, with limited diplomatic engagement. However, following the political shift on August 5, Bangladesh has begun reengaging with Pakistan diplomatically, responding positively to Islamabad’s interest in revitalizing ties.

This meeting comes in the wake of two earlier informal talks—the first between Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in New York last September, and the second during the COP28 summit in Egypt in December.

Diplomatic sources indicate that if the current round of talks progresses positively, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar may visit Dhaka in the near future—potentially ushering in a new phase of political and economic cooperation between the two nations.

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