The
Third Round of annual Foreign Secretary-level bilateral consultations between
Pakistan and Bangladesh was held on 19-20 August 2005. Mr. Reaz Mohamed Khan,
Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and Mr. Hemayetuddin, Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh
led their respective delegations.
2.
The two Foreign Secretaries discussed and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral
relations as well as regional and international issues. They expressed satisfaction
at the excellent relations that exist between the two brotherly countries and
agreed to further expand economic, commercial, trade and investment cooperation.
Both sides stressed the need for organizing single country trade fairs in each
other's important cities on a regular basis and frequent exchange of visits of
business delegations for expansion of trade between the two countries. The two
Foreign Secretaries stressed the need for enhanced contacts between the businessmen
and entrepreneurs of the two countries and underscored the importance of holding
regular meetings of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission (JEC) and
the Joint Business Council (JBC).
3.
The two sides agreed to enhance people to people contacts and cultural exchanges.
In this context, the two Foreign Secretaries discussed the existing visa regimes
and it was felt that the current visa policy should be reflective of the close
and friendly relations between the two countries. It was agreed that necessary
measures should be taken to further streamline the existing consular procedures.
Both sides reiterated their resolve to make efforts to curb the menace of terrorism
in all its forms and manifestations.
4.
The Bangladesh side raised the issues of repatriation of stranded Pakistanis and
division of assets. The Pakistan side explained its position.
5.
The two sides agreed to continue to cooperate closely at the UN and other international
and regional fora for the promotion of international peace and security, and for
the reform of the UN System, based on the principle of sovereign equality.
6.
The two sides also stressed on the need for accelerating economic development
of the South Asian Region and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening
of the SAARC process. The Bangladesh side expressed its admiration for the valuable
leadership role of Pakistan as the current Chair of SAARC. The two sides expressed
their determination to work closely for the successful holding of the 13th SAARC
Summit to be held in Dhaka in November 2005. The Pakistan side reiterated its
full support to Bangladesh in this regard.
7.
While exchanging views on the OIC matters, the two sides agreed to work together
to further strengthen the Organization, particularly with respect to conveying
to the world the message of peace and fraternity of Islam. In this context, the
Bangladesh side expressed its appreciation of and support to President General
Pervez Musharraf's initiative of Enlightened Moderation.
8.
During his visit, the Bangladesh Foreign Secretary called on Their Excellencies
the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Pakistan. The Bangladesh
Foreign Secretary also met the Acting Commerce Secretary of Pakistan.
9.
The Bangladesh Foreign Secretary conveyed his deep appreciation for the warm welcome
and generous hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He also extended
an invitation to the Pakistan Foreign Secretary to visit Dhaka for the next round
of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Foreign Secretary-level consultations. The invitation
was accepted and dates for the visit would be finalized through diplomatic channels.
