Pakistan PM speaks with Tarique by telephone, invites him to visit Islamabad

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke by telephone with Tarique Rahman, chairman of the BNP, and congratulated him on his party's "historic and resounding victory" in Bangladesh's recent general election.

According to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office in Islamabad, Sharif conveyed his heartfelt felicitations on behalf of the people and the government of Pakistan.

He also congratulated the people of Bangladesh on what he described as the successful conduct of the polls, saying the election reflected the democratic ideals and values of the Bangladeshi nation.

Sharif extended an invitation to Tarique to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The BNP chairman reciprocated the invitation, it said.

According to the release, both leaders agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days to advance cooperation for the benefit of the people of both nations.

Recalling what Sharif termed the historic and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the Pakistani premier reaffirmed his commitment to working with Bangladesh's leadership to further strengthen mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

He expressed hope that the two countries would collaborate in areas of shared interest and contribute to regional peace and progress, with full respect for each other's sovereign equality.

During what the press release described as a warm and cordial exchange, the two leaders also recalled Khaleda Zia and paid tribute to her contributions to Pakistan-Bangladesh relations and her role in fostering closer ties between the peoples of the two countries.