PM for enhanced ties with Bangladesh
ISLAMABAD, Dec 23 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Thursday said Pakistan considers Bangladesh more a brother than a friend given the commonalities of religion, history and culture.He expressed his keen desire to build upon on the groundswell of goodwill existing for each other on both sides to move ahead in the bilateral relations.He was talking to Suhrab Hossain, new High Commissioner of Bangladesh who called on him at the PM House here.
The Prime Minister stressed the need that the implementation of existing Memoranda of Understanding and agreements between the two countries should be pursued proactively through concerted efforts of both sides. 
He said the bilateral cooperation should be expanded in multi-ferrous fields through enhanced people to people contacts not only at the highest and political level but also at the level of academia, cultural personalities and business delegations.
Responding to High Commissioner’s suggestion for further expansion of bilateral trade, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan was keen to start direct shipping links between Karachi and Chitagong, opening of banks branches in each others’ countries and setting up of the Warehouses to increase the volume of trade to the level agreed at the Eighth Session of Joint Economic Commission held in September 2005. 
The Prime Minister also hoped that Bangladesh will extend its unconditional support to EU’s Trade Concession Package for WTO waiver for Pakistan in Geneva.
The Prime Minister assured full support of his government to the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in discharge of his duties and accomplishment of his Mission in a befitting manner. 
On High Commissioner’s request for cooperation in Counsel’s matters in Afghanistan as Bangladesh did not have a diplomatic mission there, the Prime Minister assured him that every possible assistance will be extended to Bangladesh through Pakistan’s Ambassador in Kabul.