Ishaq Dar, Bangladeshi FM Touhid Hossain agree to advance high live dialogue & cooperation between Pakistan & Bangladesh

SAMOA, Oct 25 (SABAH): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with the Adviser for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Md. Touhid Hossain, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa. This was the first meeting between the two dignitaries, following their assumption of office.

Ishaq Dar highlighted the historical, religious and cultural linkages between the two countries. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Foreign Minister Hossain agreed to advance high live dialogue and cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of trade, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation at various multilateral fora. They also discussed revitalization of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

Meanwhile Ishaq Dar held a meeting with Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Foreign Minister of Singapore, on the sidelines of CHOGM – Samoa.

The two Foreign Ministers reviewed the state of bilateral relations and underscored the need to broaden bilateral cooperation and dialogue. They agreed to remain engaged on issues of mutual interest.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to forge a broad-based relationship with Singapore anchored in strong economic, political and cultural cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on various regional and global issues.  They highlighted the need for comprehensive regional approaches to develop a coordinated response to emerging global challenges.

Meanwhile Ishaq Dar held a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Rwanda Olivier J.P. Nduhungirehe on the sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar and Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe noted the positive trajectory in Pakistan-Rawanda ties based on mutual respect and shared values. They expressed their resolve to further strengthen bilateral engagement and cooperation in the economic domain especially in trade, investment and people to people exchanges.

Noting the recent visits by the President of the Senate and the Chief of Defence Staff of Rawanda, Deputy Prime Minister Dar expressed the keen desire of Pakistan to further strengthen friendly relations with Rwanda. He also congratulated Rwanda for opening a High Commission in Islamabad.

Echoing the sentiments of the Deputy Prime Minister Dar, Foreign Minister Nduhungirehe invited Pakistani businessmen to avail of the investment opportunities in Rwanda.

Meanwhile Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar met with Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Ms. Anna Thandi Moraka, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister appreciated the growing trajectory of mutually beneficial cooperation between Pakistan and South Africa and expressed Pakistan’s desire to broaden trade and investment ties.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Deputy Minister Moraka underscored the need for regular engagement and dialogue between Pakistan and South Africa at the leadership level. They agreed to further enhance cooperation in trade and commerce.

Meanwhile on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Ishaq Dar met Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs & East African Cooperation, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and discussed bilateral matters of mutual interest.