Arusha: Pakistan and Bangladesh have committed to strengthening their parliamentary and economic ties during a bilateral meeting at the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, held at the Arusha International Conference Centre in Tanzania. The meeting, led by Pakistan’s Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and the Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament, showcased a mutual resolve to deepen cooperation through dialogue and practical engagement.

According to Press Information Department, Chairman Gilani congratulated Bangladesh on the election of Ms. Jasharat Adib Chowdhury to the IPU Executive Committee, highlighting Pakistan’s support for her candidacy as a demonstration of its commitment to regional cooperation. The meeting underscored the importance of increasing interactions between the parliaments, civil service academies, and policy institutions of both nations to foster a stronger bilateral relationship.

The two sides agreed to activate the Pakistan-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Groups and enhance exchanges between parliamentarians. Chairman Gilani also called for a deeper economic partnership, emphasizing opportunities in trade, investment, and maritime connectivity, particularly between Karachi and Chattogram. The discussions included expanding cooperation in textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education, and climate resilience.

The Speaker of Bangladesh expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support at the IPU and echoed the sentiment of advancing cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy. An invitation was extended to the Speaker of Bangladesh to visit Pakistan with a parliamentary delegation, further solidifying the commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation.