Yunus seeks Pak support to revive SAARC, boost regional coop

Prof. Yunus met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters on Wednesday.

New York (USA), Sept 25 - Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday called for the revival of SAARC as a top platform for regional cooperation in South Asia.

"Reviving SAARC could be a good way to start it and seek Pakistan’s support," he said when he met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters.

During the meeting, the two leaders underscored the need to revitalise bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Shehbaz Sharif promised his support for the initiative and suggested the countries move step by step in reviving the regional platform.

Sharif said Bangladesh and Pakistan should open a “new page” in their relations to enhance cooperation in various aspects.

“It’s very essential we revive our relations,” he said.

Sharif expressed Pakistan’s interest in investing in Bangladesh's textile and leather sectors, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing.

Prof Yunus proposed an exchange of youth programs between the two countries.

They also discussed renewing foreign secretary-level talks and reactivating the joint commission between the two countries.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain was also present during the talks.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa greeted Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday. - UNB