Pakistan FM likely to visit Dhaka in April: Adviser

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain. -File Photo

“We are assuming that Pakistan’s Foreign Minister will visit. However, the exact date has not been finalized yet. But I don’t think it (visit)will be before April,” he told reporters at a media briefing at the foreign ministry this afternoon.

He added, “Both sides are working on it (regarding the visit). There is still time, and we will make some decisions in the meantime.”

When asked whether Dhaka would raise the issue of Pakistan’s apology for its role in 1971 and compensation for Bangladesh, Hossain acknowledged that unresolved issues between the two countries remain even after 53 years and said these matters would be brought up during discussions.

However, he said, “If we remain fixated on those issues, neither side will benefit. We will, of course, try to protect and recover our interests, but at the same time, we want to view our relations with Pakistan as we would with any other country. We do not want to perceive our relationship with them negatively.”

Hossain emphasized that Dhaka views Pakistan as a South Asian nation with which both countries share mutual interests, reports BSS.

The adviser also pointed out that maritime connectivity between Bangladesh and Pakistan has already resumed, bringing positive economic benefits.“We will try to maximize our benefits from this opportunity,” he added.

Responding to another query, the foreign adviser said the previous Awami League-led government intentionally strained relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan, which did not serve the interests of either country.