Yunus stresses SAARC revitalisation in talks with Pakistan’s FM Dar

The chief advisor emphasises that people-to-people connections, particularly among youth, must underpin regional cooperation

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holds a July Uprising artwork with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday, Aug 24, 2025. Photo: CA GOB Facebook

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has underlined the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) as a “top priority” in his talks with the visiting Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

The Pakistan deputy prime minister met with Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, expand trade, promote youth exchanges, and deepen educational and cultural collaboration.

Dar conveyed greetings from Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. “Our prime minister sends you his best wishes,” he said.

Yunus warmly responded, recalling earlier conversations with Sharif.

“Every time Prime Minister Sharif and I met, we spoke about SAARC. Our visions are aligned, and SAARC remains a top priority for both of us,” he said.

Highlighting partnership opportunities, Dar said: “I feel our two economies are complementary. There are many areas where we can work together.”

He also praised Yunus’s global standing saying, “Bangladesh is fortunate to have a head of government like you -- a leader who inspires the world.”

Having arrived earlier in the day, Dar met several advisors, including those for energy and commerce, and held talks with political representatives.

Yunus emphasised that people-to-people connections, particularly among youth, must underpin regional cooperation.

“I encourage SAARC, and I see our relationship with Pakistan and other SAARC countries as one of the highest priorities,” he said.

Calling for greater cultural exchange, Yunus added: “When Pakistani singers perform in Bangladesh, everyone appreciates their talent. That is the spirit we must build upon.”

Dar, the first Pakistani foreign minister to visit Bangladesh in 13 years, said new air and sea links were being developed.

“By October, we hope Fly Jinnah will launch direct flights between our two countries. The PIA is also expected to launch direct flights to Dhaka once the airline is privatised,” he said.

Yunus and Dar both showed optimism that stronger trade, deeper cultural ties and SAARC cooperation would help build a more stable and prosperous South Asia.