Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called for the revival of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) as a crucial platform for regional cooperation in South Asia. The call was made during his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the UN headquarters.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Pakistan. Yunus suggested that revitalizing SAARC would be an ideal starting point and sought Pakistan's support for the initiative. In response, Sharif pledged his backing, advocating for a gradual approach to the revival of the regional bloc.

Sharif also expressed a desire to "open a new page" in Bangladesh-Pakistan relations, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in multiple areas. He highlighted Pakistan’s interest in investing in Bangladesh’s textile and leather sectors.

The meeting also explored potential youth exchange programs and the resumption of foreign secretary-level talks, alongside reactivating the Bangladesh-Pakistan joint commission.

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain was present at the talks.

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