ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Thursday, met Bangladesh’s interim government head Dr Muhammad Yunus and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on the sidelines of D-8 Summit in Cairo.
The leaders agreed to deepen economic ties. Upon arrival, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Relative thaw
In their second meeting since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in the South Asian nation of Bangladesh, Shehbaz Sharif and Muhammad Yunus agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.
They also emphasised the need to align efforts to achieve mutually-beneficial development objectives.
The two leaders acknowledged the importance of people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges including enhanced exchange of artists, sportspersons, academics, and students.
They noted with satisfaction the recent visit by the Bangladesh Cricket Team to Pakistan and the concert of a Pakistani artist in Dhaka.
According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting took place in a cordial environment.
Pakistan and Bangladesh have agreed to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest@CMShehbaz #News #RadioPakistan https://t.co/FDZYQRIHXx
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) December 19, 2024
Pakistan-Indonesia ties
Meanwhile, APP reported that Pakistan and Indonesian leaders noted the importance of regular high-level interaction between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated Prabowo on assuming the president’s office and exchanged views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest including bilateral ties covering political, trade and economic matters, as well as cooperation at the multilateral fora.
He noted that Indonesia was a reliable trade partner of Pakistan, particularly as a palm oil supplier, as Pakistan relies on imports to meet its vegetable oil needs.
Had the pleasure of meeting H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of Indonesia on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo. Congratulated him on assuming office and exchanged views on a wide range of issues of mutual interest including political, trade and economic matters, as well as… pic.twitter.com/F9ZdnJwf3W
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 19, 2024
Emphasising Pakistan’s deep interest in engaging with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its members, the prime minister said Pakistan appreciated Indonesia’s support in achieving Sectoral Partner Status in ASEAN.
With Indonesia’s support, Pakistan looks forward to becoming a Full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, Shehbaz Sharif said.
He also extended an invitation to President Prabowo Subianto to visit Pakistan at his early convenience which the latter accepted.
Support for Palestine
Both leaders reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian cause and called for a ceasefire in Gaza, urging for a comprehensive approach to the resolution of the Palestinian issue with the establishment of a sovereign and independent State of Palestine.
