High Commissioner for Pakistan to Bangladesh called on Foreign Minister
Dhaka, 25 Feb 2010
Mr. Ashraf Qureshi, the newly appointed High Commissioner for Pakistan to Bangladesh called on Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni today at her office. Welcoming the High Commissioner, Foreign Minister said that Bangladesh values its relation with Pakistan. They discussed further strengthening of relations both bilaterally and within the framework of SAARC and exchanged views to set in motion the bilateral institutional mechanisms, including Foreign Office consultations.
Underscoring the need to address trade imbalance, Dr. Dipu Moni said that the two countries should make use of ample potential for enhancing bilateral trade. She pointed out that Pakistan may take steps to reduce high tariff on import of jute products from Bangladesh. She also invited Pakistani entrepreneurs to take interest in investing in Bangladesh in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, ICT, telecom and agro industries.
Dr. Dipu Moni expressed hope that the two countries would soon be able to resolve outstanding issues like formal apologies by the Pakistan Government for the atrocities committed in 1971, repatriation of stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh, division of assets etc. On the issue of trial of war crimes, she said that Bangladesh would try its own citizens for war crimes through a fair judicial process adhering to highest international standards, and expressed her belief that this will not, by any means, affect its bilateral relations with Pakistan. She suggested that the Pakistani High Commissioner may explore various avenues of bilateral cooperation and promote greater exchange and better understanding between the two peoples.
Earlier, the new High Commissioner of Pakistan called on Foreign Secretary today at the Ministry and discussed matters of bilateral interest.