Dhaka and Islamabad Re-Engage in Diplomatic Talks After 15-Year Hiatus

Strategic Insights -

Diplomatic efforts between Bangladesh and Pakistan are underway, with the two countries set to hold the sixth round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Dhaka. The talks mark a significant step in bilateral relations, with the last high-level meeting taking place in Islamabad in 2010. Pakistan's Foreign Secretary, Ms Amna Baloch, arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday, bringing an end to a 15-year hiatus in diplomatic interactions between the two nations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The sixth round of FOC is scheduled to take place at the State Guest House Padma in Dhaka, with a wide range of bilateral matters on the agenda, including trade and investment, connectivity, defense cooperation, education, agriculture, fisheries, cultural exchange, and sports collaboration.
  • Multilateral and regional cooperation under frameworks such as SAARC, OIC, and D-8 is also expected to feature in the talks.
  • Pakistan is likely to propose the revival of a joint commission aimed at enhancing coordination on political, economic, and social fronts, while Bangladesh may propose a specialized program to promote cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity.
  • Bangladesh is expected to formally raise the issue of $4.52 billion in outstanding financial claims from pre-1971 undivided Pakistan, including shares in foreign aid, provident funds, savings instruments, and other financial entitlements.
  • The meeting of the foreign secretaries will be followed by a visit from Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr Ishaq Dar, who will further discuss bilateral issues with Bangladeshi officials.

Statistics:

  • The last meeting of the economic commission at the finance ministerial level was held two decades ago in 2005.
  • Bangladesh is seeking $4.52 billion in outstanding financial claims from pre-1971 undivided Pakistan.

Sources:

  • "Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch Arrives in Dhaka to Participate in Foreign Secretary-Level Meeting",
  • "Bangladesh, Pakistan to Resume Foreign Office Consultations",
  • "Bangladesh to Seek $4.52 Billion in Unclaimed Funds from Pakistan",