By The South Asia Times

NEW YORK - Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Tarique Rahman, have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, connectivity, education and tourism during a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting took place at the UN headquarters during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, with the two leaders reviewing bilateral relations and expressing satisfaction with what both sides described as positive momentum in Pakistan-Bangladesh ties.

Sharif congratulated Bangladesh on assuming the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly and reaffirmed Pakistan's support for Dhaka's efforts to advance the objectives of the United Nations.

The UN confirms that Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is serving as president of the 81st General Assembly. He was elected in June 2026 and formally assumed office in September.

Tarique Rahman, in turn, expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of bilateral relations and said his government was keen to further expand ties with Pakistan.

The two prime ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people contacts, while also exchanging views on regional and international developments.

They emphasized the importance of maintaining close coordination at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations. Bangladesh and Pakistan also stressed the importance of regular communication and dialogue on issues of common interest.

The meeting comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Dhaka and Islamabad after years of strained relations.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have sought to expand contacts in recent months, with officials from both countries emphasizing greater economic and diplomatic cooperation. The latest meeting at the UN provides a high-level platform for the two governments to discuss areas where bilateral ties could be expanded.

Bangladeshi reports said the two leaders discussed bilateral, regional and international issues and stressed advancing relations on the basis of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.

The meeting was also significant because it brought together the leaders during Bangladesh's presidency of the UN General Assembly. Khalilur Rahman's election in June gave Bangladesh the leadership of the 193-member General Assembly for its 81st session, which runs from September 2026 to September 2027.

For Pakistan and Bangladesh, expanding economic relations is expected to remain a central element of the renewed engagement.

The two governments have identified trade and investment, transportation and connectivity, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges as areas for greater cooperation.

The discussions also come as both countries seek closer coordination on regional and global issues, including through multilateral institutions.

Sharif said Pakistan would continue supporting Bangladesh's role at the United Nations, while both leaders underscored the importance of coordination on matters of common interest.

The two prime ministers' New York meeting signals an effort by Islamabad and Dhaka to build on the recent positive momentum and develop a broader framework for bilateral cooperation.