President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wajid on Monday underlined the need of defeating the mindset of militancy to root out terrorism. During their meeting here on the sidelines of World Future Energy Summit, President Zardari said that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Bangladesh, which are based on mutual respect, common religion, history and culture.
"Our nations share the same aspirations and hopes, and it is our sincere desire to build on these relations and to give a fresh impetus to them," he said. The two sides showed their strong desire to further cement their bilateral ties in all spheres. President Asif Ali Zardari also appreciated the flood relief assistance by Bangladesh. The President said the government had taken initiative for providing support of up to Rs 100,000 per affected family through the citizens' damage compensation programme which has been launched through transparent Watan Card mechanism.
President Zardari said that Pakistan is committed to strengthening economic and trade relations with Bangladesh. She appreciated President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani for their consistent efforts in strengthening bonds of friendship and promoting strong economic partnership among the South Asian countries. President Zardari invited Hasina Wajid to visit Pakistan, which she accepted. Reciprocating the sentiments, Hasina Wajid also extended invitation to the President to visit Bangladesh, which she hoped he could undertake after the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.