Dr Yunus, Shehbaz discuss on SAARC: 2 nations want to strengthen ties

Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has joined a discussion with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif regarding the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation or SAARC.

The two leaders joined the discussion on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session at the UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday (September 25).

During the meeting, the two leaders underscored the need for revitalising the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Prof Yunus said reviving SAARC could be a good way to start it and sought Pakistan’s support.

Shehbaz Sharif promised his support for the initiative and suggested that both the countries should move step by step in reviving the regional platform.

Sharif said Bangladesh and Pakistan should open a “new page” in their relations to enhance cooperation in various aspects.

“It’s very essential to revive our relations,” he said.

Sharif expressed Pakistan’s interest in investing Bangladesh’s textile and leather sectors.

Prof Yunus proposed an exchange of youth programmes between the two countries.

They also discussed renewing foreign secretary-level talks and reactivating the joint commission between the two countries.

Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain was also present during the meet.