ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Bangladesh on Tuesday pledged to strengthen cooperation in the energy and mineral sectors, with a focus on limestone, coal, and petroleum products, as part of efforts to promote mutual economic growth and bolster regional energy security.
Pakistan’s Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, Md. Iqbal Hussain on Tuesday explored ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in the energy and mineral sectors.
During the meeting, the Minister Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expanding ties with Bangladesh, according to an official statement by the Ministry of Energy.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is keen to support our brothers in Bangladesh and enhance cooperation in various sectors. Pakistan values its relationship with Bangladesh and is eager to explore joint ventures that benefit both nations,” he said.
The two sides reviewed opportunities for collaboration in exploration, trade, and investment, with a particular focus on the energy and mineral sectors. They emphasised the importance of knowledge-sharing to fully harness the potential of these industries.
The Bangladeshi High Commissioner welcomed Pakistan’s willingness to enhance economic and energy cooperation, noting that such efforts would contribute to regional stability and shared prosperity. He reaffirmed Bangladesh’s interest in strengthening trade and investment ties with Pakistan.
The meeting reflected the mutual resolve of both countries to deepen bilateral engagement and explore new avenues for partnership, particularly in the fields of energy and mineral resources.
Bilateral ties
This renewed urban partnership comes against the backdrop of a broader diplomatic warming in 2025 between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
On August 16, Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties during his meeting with the High Commissioner.
The minister emphasised expanding collaboration in politics, trade, and cultural domains, particularly in media, film, and digital content.
“Media cooperation is not just policy, it’s a pathway to bring our people closer,” Tarar stated, stressing the role of cultural exchange in building regional harmony.
Reconnection and progress
The revival of Foreign Office Consultations earlier this year -after a 15-year pause – was a turning point in the diplomatic reset.
High-level engagements followed, including meetings between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, as well as defence and trade breakthroughs.
Meanwhile, strategic cooperation on counterterrorism, visa-free access for diplomats, and new trade agreements further solidified ties.
