Pakistan voices desire to boost commercial relations with Bangladesh

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed a desire to boost commercial relations, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts with Bangladesh.

In a phone call with Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Sharif congratulated him on assuming office, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office.

Yunus took office earlier this month after student-led protests forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to neighboring India on Aug. 5.

The Pakistani prime minister underscored the importance of revitalizing bilateral relations through enhanced cooperation in different domains, the statement said.

"Both the leaders agreed that there was a need to work closely for the progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan and Bangladesh. They further agreed that greater regional cooperation could play a vital role in uplifting the lives of the people of South Asia," it added.

Sharif also expressed sympathies over the devastation caused by the recent floods in Bangladesh.