ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been formally invited to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Bangladesh’s incoming prime minister, scheduled to be held on February 17 in Dhaka. The country’s Foreign Office confirmed receipt of the invitation.
However, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be unable to participate in the ceremony as he is currently on a pre-planned official visit to Austria. A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated that the visit had been scheduled prior to the arrival of the invitation.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sharif held a telephone conversation with Tarique Rahman, leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), congratulating him on his party’s success in the recent elections.
In a separate statement, the Prime Minister’s Office extended congratulations to the people of Bangladesh for the smooth conduct of the general elections. Pakistan also reiterated its commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation between the two nations.
During their discussion, the two leaders exchanged views on regional peace, development, and issues of mutual interest. They also paid tribute to Khaleda Zia for her contributions to Pakistan–Bangladesh relations.
Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and collaborate for the welfare of their people. Prime Minister Sharif also invited Rahman to visit Pakistan at an early date.
