Pakistan is keen to further strengthen its bilateral relations with Bangladesh through a positive and constructive approach, said Pakistani High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Haider on Thursday.
The remarks were made during a courtesy meeting with Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Shafiqur Rahman at his office in the National Parliament building.
Political Counsellor of the Pakistani High Commission Kamran Dangal was also present at the meeting, which was described as cordial and friendly.
During the discussion, the envoy said that relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan have been progressing positively in recent times, highlighting increased bilateral trade as well as visits by military and civilian officials from both countries.
He also informed the opposition leader that a delegation of Bangladeshi academics recently visited Pakistan and expressed satisfaction with the country’s education system.
Imran Haider further highlighted the success of a Pakistani education fair held in Dhaka last month and said Pakistan plans to offer scholarships to 500 Bangladeshi students over the next five years in phases.
He added that 74 Bangladeshi students have already gone to Pakistan under the programme.
The high commissioner also said efforts are underway to expand academic cooperation between universities of the two countries and to further advance the ongoing “Knowledge Corridor” initiative.
He proposed forming a parliamentary group and called for enhanced engagement between the legislatures of Bangladesh and Pakistan.
During the meeting, Shafiqur Rahman expressed appreciation to the Pakistani government through the high commissioner for what he described as Pakistan’s historic role in facilitating a peace agreement between the United States and Iran.
Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Leader of the Opposition Mir Ahmed Bin Kashem Arman and member of the Foreign Affairs Advisory Committee Ali Ahmed Mabrur were present at the meeting.
