By Shakir Husain
NEW DELHI, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- Pakistan and Bangladesh discussed building closer relations in a phone conversation between their leaders on Friday.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he congratulated Bangladesh interim government’s chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on his new role, lauded his contribution to Bangladesh's socio-economic development, and extended sympathies over the flood devastation in Bangladesh.
"Noting the deep-rooted bonds of history, faith and culture between Pakistan and Bangladesh, we expressed our willingness to forge closer bilateral cooperation," Shehbaz said in a social media post.
The end of 15-year rule of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5, has raised hopes of better Pakistan-Bangladesh relations.
Hasina, who was closely allied with New Delhi, was unenthusiastic about expanding ties with Pakistan.
-- BERNAMA
