United States succumb to Israel pressure

Biden administration abstained, but did not reject a General Assembly resolution affirming the right of return for Palestinian refugees to sovereign Israel. In doing so, it broke with the voting pattern on Israel set by former US President Donald Trump in which all such texts received an automatic "no" vote.

Obama administration, however, had traditionally abstained from this particular text, which comes annually before the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

"This year, the United States returns to a position of abstention on the text 'Assistance to Palestine Refugees,'” American Deputy Ambassador Richard Mills told the UNGA's Fourth Committee late Tuesday afternoon.

He spoke as the committee gave initial approval to six anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian draft resolutions that will come up later this year at the UNGA plenum for a final vote.

Three of those texts affirmed the work of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which services 5.7 million Palestinian refugees in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

All three of those resolutions call for the right of return for Palestinian refugees to sovereign Israel or for their receipt of compensation for the property they lost when they fled their homes.

Out of the three, the resolution titled "assistance to Palestinian refugees" is considered to be the most benign. 

Canada similarly abstained on the text called assistance to the Palestinian people, while Australia supported it. The US and Canada joined Israel in rejecting the other two resolutions on UNRWA. Australia abstained on one of those and rejected the other.

The European Union supported all three UNRWA texts. Only Israel totally opposed the text "assistance to Palestinian refugees" which passed 160-1, with nine abstentions.

The other countries that abstained on the "assistance to Palestinian refugees" resolution were Cameron, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papa New Guinea and Uruguay.

The Trump administration had opposed UNRWA and cut US funding to the organization. Both the Trump administration and Israel have charged that textbooks used in the agency's schools are antisemitic and incite against Israel. 

They opposed the UNRWA policy of applying refugee status to the descendants of Palestinians who fled their homes in 1948; a move which they explain creates an ever-increasing population of refugees.

Prior to Tuesday's vote, an Israeli representative spoke out against UNRWA at the UNGA Fourth Committee meeting.

"We cannot stand idly by when a UN humanitarian agency promotes a political agenda under the guise of true assistance," the Israel representative said.

"UNRWA must be accountable for the hateful indoctrination of children in its classrooms. It must put an end to the spreading of antisemitic lies by its employees and it must show a genuine commitment to transparency and accountability," the Israeli representative said.

She added that UNRWAA resources and infrastructure must not be hijacked by Hamas in conducting acts of terror," she added.  

Israel has also opposed the right of return for Palestinians to sovereign Israel, a move which it argues would destroy the country's identity as the ethnic-national homeland for the Jewish people. It has explained that in the essence of a two-state resolution to the conflict, Palestinians would have a right of return solely to a Palestinian State, much like Jews would have a right of return solely to Israel.

The Biden administration, however, has restored US funding and support for UNRWA.

"As many members know, under President Biden, the United States announced it would restore its financial support to UNRWA, which we do believe is a vital lifeline to millions of Palestinians across the region," Mills told the UNGA. 

"Since April, the US government has provided more than US$318 million to UNRWA in Fiscal Year 2021, including critical support for education, health and social services benefiting millions of Palestinian refugees registered with UNRWA," he said.

The US, he said, has noted that some changes were made to the text of the resolutions on the agency "that reflect our priorities in line with strengthening UNRWA," adding that "the United States will continue to work with UNRWA; work to strengthen the Agency’s accountability, its transparency, and its consistency with UN principles."

Mills called on UN member states to support the agency financially, noting that many of those who voted in favor of the three UNRWA resolutions were not willing to spend money on the organization.

"I would also like to take a moment to point out the overwhelming support from member states for these resolutions voted here today, compared with the relatively few member states that financially support UNRWA," he said. 

"In light of the Agency’s urgent shortfall, the United States urges member states to support UNRWA’s services for Palestinian refugees not only in word but in action – and to do so on an expedited basis," Mills said.

The resolutions were voted on in advance of a donor pledging conference for UNRWA scheduled to take place in Belgium on November 16.

Shrinking global spare oil production capacity

Spare crude oil production capacity has shrunk significantly due to under-investment, the head of Saudi Aramco said, warning that the potential rebound in jet travel and continued power plant demand for liquid fuels could create a worryingly tight market in 2022. 

"Unfortunately, there is not enough investment in the sector to increase supplies and maintain that spare capacity," Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser said at the Nikkei Global Management Forum.

He estimated that global oil demand would surpass pre-pandemic levels of some 100 million bpd next year. Jet fuel demand remains about 3 million-4 million bpd below where it was before the pandemic, and a recovery in air travel would quickly consume the world's spare production capacity, he said.

The current high oil prices reflect the healthy economic recovery, as well as energy switching in the power sector from gas to liquid fuels, which could potentially add 1.5 million bpd of oil demand this winter, Nasser said.

Spare capacity can act as the market's buffer against unexpected disruptions to supply, such as hurricanes, political unrest and security incidents.

With many international oil companies seeking to downsize their oil portfolios and some producing countries struggling to revive upstream investment, Saudi Aramco stands to benefit and gain in market share, as it embarks on raising its crude production capacity from 12 million bpd to a world-leading 13 million bpd by 2027. The company is already the world's largest exporter of crude.

The slower pace of the energy transition in many developing countries means oil will remain a major fuel source for several decades, Nasser said.

"Between now until 2050, there are going to be an estimated 2 billion more energy users in the world and population growth would be led by developing countries, where energy transition will be much slower," Nasser said. "Hence, I expect oil and gas demand will be healthy for many decades to come."

Nasser highlighted that there are different needs for less developed countries as consumers in developed countries may be able to afford expensive energy solutions, but the same would not apply for consumers in developing countries.

"The world needs green and clean energy policy that is more inclusive," he said.

Oil and gas would remain Saudi Aramco's key businesses for a long time, though efforts to reduce carbon footprint will be executed with its combination of strategies including carbon capture, gas to hydrogen, liquid to chemical and more, Nasser said. Saudi Aramco recently set a target of bringing its carbon emissions down to net zero from its operations by 2050.

"Aramco's upstream emissions are perhaps one of the lowest in the industry. ... We have done a lot and put in a lot of investments in reduction of GHG emissions and we are confident with our strategy," he said.

Can Israel and Iran be friends ever?

Till yesterday, Israel was brainwashing Arabs by propagating “Iran is a bigger threat as compared to Israel”. Today I was amused to read an article in The Jerusalem Post saying, “The strong and rich relationship between Iran and Israel goes back to ancient times, to the era of King Cyrus.” 

The article ends with the words, “Both nations, the Iranians in particular, have never been so aware as they are today of the positive and beneficial consequences of their close relationship and historic friendship, but there are still many who must be made aware of it.”

Iran and Israel can boast a unique and exceptional socio-historic and cultural relationship going back over 2,500 years and many Iranians and Israelis believe that this very rich common background is capable of changing the face of the Middle East in the first decades of the 21st century, and also of changing the political atmosphere in the future to the benefit of both nations.

The burning desire for peace among many in the Middle East is threatened by groups of terrorists doing their utmost to undermine peace. Iran as a key country can play an important role, but under which leadership? Sooner or later the Shi’ite clergy and their evil ideas will be swept away by a younger generation of Iranians. The foundations for the strong intercultural bridge between Iran and Israel must be laid as soon as possible because change in Iran is very close.

The strong and rich relationship between Iran and Israel goes back to ancient times, to the era of King Cyrus, who allowed the Jews to return home to build the Temple. There are several warm references in the Bible with respect to Cyrus and the Iranians (in Isaiah, Daniel and Chronicles). Many distinguished Iranian scholars assert that only the Iranian-Jewish communities cared for and cherished the pre-Islamic Iranian culture and language.

After the Arab-Islamic invasion (638 AD) the situation changed, but there were several outstanding examples like the Jewish army commanders Rashid-al-Din Fazl-Allah and Saad al Dowleh and Shams al Dowleh (1231-1336) and many others. Prior to the Pahlavi dynasty (1925-1979) the relationship between the Iranian and the Jewish communities was not so good, but a real transformation took place during this period.

Official and formal diplomatic ties between the two countries began in 1950 and ushered in a fruitful period of cooperation and development. In January 1979 the new rulers kicked out the Angel of Freedom, whereas 40 million young Iranians wanted to bring her back to the country.

The more the regime intensifies its anti-Western and anti-Israel propaganda so the Iranian people are becoming more pro-Western and pro-Israel. They are deeply convinced that whatever they hear from the regime’s representatives they just interpret as the opposite.

Consequently, pro-Western ideas and respect and admiration for Israel are growing daily in the hearts of the people. Their daily actions, communications with external mass media, written material by journalists or student slogans, speak for themselves.

Many Iranians are opening their eyes and minds and criticizing the regime. They are proud to be the friend of the only democracy in the Middle East and they want to clearly and openly declare their deep relationship with the twin sister in the area, a relationship based on the history of the two nations.

What Iran can offer Israel?

Iran, as one of the largest countries in the Middle East, with a population of 75 million, has the potential to be one of the best friends of Israel in the world. Such a bilateral friendship could greatly benefit both sides, and together with the warm relations with Turkey and Central Asian countries, it would certainly transform the current ugly political situation in the region.

In the future, Iran can be responsive to many of Israel’s desires and needs, such as oil and many other mineral resources. Iran’s prominent position in OPEC and other international bodies will of course make it a serious supporter of Israeli foreign policy.

The future Iranian generation’s appetite for peace is stronger than for war. In a calm atmosphere without any regional tension, Iran will certainly open its gates to Israeli expertise in the oil field and other technical areas to benefit from its know-how and cooperation.

What Israel can offer Iran?

Global cooperation and a harmonious relationship between Iran and Israel will transform the market on both sides. The beneficiaries of such a transformation will not only be big businesses and corporations, but also ordinary people in both countries. Statistics and research will show how commercial development (technology imported from Israel to Iran) will rapidly change the face of Iranian society.

The markets in Iran are especially thirsting for new high technology. Jewish businessmen and companies in the West will also be encouraged to do their share in meeting Iran’s technological needs.

Teams of Israeli experts will come to Iran to help the local people manufacture, renovate and rebuild all of Iran’s rotting and ruined machinery. There is a tremendous variety of needs to be addressed, from education, banking, military and security to commercial, industry, agriculture and farming, from food to medicine, research, university and sport.

Iranians still enthusiastically recall the city of Ghazvin in the north of Iran completely demolished by an earthquake in 1963 and rebuilt by Israeli experts, and such experience will help people on both sides. The powerful standing of Israel in the international mass media will help the Iranian people to cleanse the harshly negative reputation gained during the Islamic Revolution years.

The relationship with Israel will also provide new avenues for marketing Iranian oil, and Israeli technicians will be most welcome to help solve the great problems in Iran such as gas and water pipelines, telephone communication, electricity, dams, roads, transport and numerous other neglected or undeveloped projects.

Bilateral cooperation between Iran and Israel

It is the author’s sincere view, based on his personal, social and academic experience, that those who wish for a secure future for both nations in a prosperous and peaceful Middle East have no option but to welcome and foster close ties between the two nations. Such a desire is not an empty hope but could be a practical path leading to a brighter world.

Iranians will welcome and be proud of a strong relationship with Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East and one of the world leaders in hi-tech, medical advancement and agricultural production. Conversely, to have a strong friend and ally in the region with the richest oil and mineral resources and an open-handed government and open-minded population will represent a great opportunity for Israel.

Such an ambition is easily expandable to the Central Asian countries, as well as Turkey and India. Why India?

Parsees in India are the Iranians who left Iran 14 centuries ago after the Arab-Muslim invasion of Iran. They are now among the most aristocratic and upper class of Indian society and administration. A large group of Iranian intellectuals (both inside and outside the country) are working to enable the Parsees in exile to return to their old home just as the Jewish communities after 2,000 years came back home from the Diaspora.

For the past two centuries, Westerners have been the avant-garde of liberty and social freedom, but at the same time, they are also the slaves of their benefits. Iran has no option but to have a global relationship with the West.

A strong relationship with Israel will benefit Iran in two ways: on the one hand, Israel is a clear symbol of the West with high ability, and on the other hand, is full of warm Eastern mentality. In addition, Israel has a deep historical and cultural affiliation with Iran.

To cement this future wide-ranging relationship we propose:

1. A new bilateral legal system in both countries, based on solidarity, ancient historical friendship and a productive global relationship (political, economic, social, cultural, military, security), and answering the requirements of the 21st century.

2. Developing university-standard visits and research, educational exchanges, bilateral scholarships at different levels, according to the priorities and requirements of both countries.

3. Increased collaboration in journalism and the mass media, including regularly organized meetings.

4. Bilateral development of artistic, sport, tourism and other social events. The holding of seminars, conferences and exhibitions in the spheres of culture, industry and agriculture and inventions can yield better knowledge about each other.

5. Development of marketing on both sides for commerce and trade in the private and public sectors. Minimizing the bureaucratic complications and maximizing the facilities in customs, taxes, insurance and transport.

6. Consolidating cooperation between Iran and Israel in the areas of police, army and security, including mutual research and exchanges in this area.

Who attacked Iraqi Prime Minister?

Reports of a recent drone attack on the home of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi have caused a major escalation in the region. There is an increased use of drones as a strategic weapon, with the goal of intimidating the Iraqi Prime Minister just days after security forces clashed with pro-Iranian protesters.

It is apprehended that the attack was carried out by pro-Iranian militias as probably there exist no other culprits in Iraq who have drones that could or would attack the Iraqi Prime Minister.

While ISIS has used drones in the past, it’s not clear why they would suddenly emerge now to target the Iraqi leader and that leaves Iran-backed groups firmly in the frame.

While official reports have not yet specified which group was behind the attack and no one has yet taken responsibility for it, the trend of such attacks in the region points to Iranian-linked groups.

A drone was used to attack a US garrison at Tanf in Syria in October. In July, a drone was used to attack a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman, killing two crew members. In both instances, the US and other countries have pointed the finger at Iran.

In May, a drone was launched from Iraq, or possibly from Syria, targeting Israel during the 11-day war with Hamas. It is believed that Iran was also behind this attack.

For years, Iran has been building more sophisticated drones for surveillance and kamikaze-style attacks. The drones have become better at navigation and pre-programmed flight paths, or even real-time intelligence gathering. The fact they have targeted a moving ship is a clear indication of this.

An attack on the residence of Kadhimi is also a likely message by pro-Iran groups in Iraq that the Prime Minister is not immune.  

Iraqi armed forces announced the start of investigations to discover the location of the launch of the booby-trapped drone that targeted Kadhimi. Images showed the damage to the home, but it is unclear if drone fragments had been found that would link the design to any single country or entity.  

One of the reasons pro-Iran groups — including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis in Yemen — use drones, is that it is difficult to trace their launch site and to know who is behind them once they are launched.

Israel has, in the past, accused Iran of creating a drone training center. Drones from Iran and technology from Iran has been a key to aiding Houthi efforts to attack Saudi Arabia.

Since January, the pro-Iran militias in Iraq have increasingly used drones to target US forces. This has occurred even in Erbil where the pro-Iran militias used a drone in the spring of 2021 to target what US media called, at the time, a CIA hangar at Erbil airport. Pro-Iran groups have done parades with drones.  

But, the kind of drone used to attack the Iraqi Prime Minister may be smaller than some of the kamikaze drones, which tend to be larger than a human. Locating parts of the equipment will be important, but Iraq’s security services may be reticent to conclude that Iran or any of its proxy groups were behind the attack.

Because in previous incidents where Iraq’s prime minister has acted against pro-Iranian groups engaged in illegal attacks, they succeeded in freeing their jailed members as a result.

Now, the groups, most linked to the Fatah party in parliament and the paramilitary Hashd al-Shaabi, have been conducting a sit-in to demand the overturn of recent election results. This kind of election protest is designed to raise tensions and pressure the prime minister.  

The problem being faced by the Iraqi government is that the militias are often tied to official paramilitary forces because former Iraqi Prime Minister, Haider Abadi, pushed to give the militias a legitimate role.

The militias were given increased power in 2014, based on some existing pro-Iran units, to fight ISIS but after the war on ISIS ended, the militias refused to go home and Abadi, who was backed by the US, empowered the militias.

US accuses OPEC Plus jeopardizing global economic recovery

The White House has said OPEC Plus is risking imperiling the global economic recovery by refusing to speed up oil production increases and warned the United States was prepared to use "all tools" necessary to lower fuel prices.

The move came after Saudi Arabia-led Opec and its allies such as Russia rejected US calls to help tame rising oil prices, insisting they would stick with a plan of only gradually increasing output, even as demand roars back from the depths of the pandemic.

"Opec+ seems unwilling to use the capacity and power it has now at this critical moment of global recovery for countries around the world," said a spokesperson for Biden's National Security Council.

"Our view is that the global recovery should not be imperilled by a mismatch between supply and demand."

Oil prices are close to seven-year highs despite economic activity not yet fully recovering to pre-pandemic levels and higher energy costs stoking concerns about inflation. Brent crude oil prices slipped about 2 per cent after the meeting towards $80 a barrel.

US President Joe Biden has blamed Russian and Saudi oil supply restraint for a surge in US petrol prices, which have risen 60 per cent in the past 12 months.

Jennifer Granholm, the US energy secretary, told the Financial Times last month that a release of oil from the country's strategic stockpiles was among "tools" the Biden administration could deploy to cool crude prices that have more than doubled in the past year.

Saudi Arabia defended its stance on Thursday saying the producer group was acting as a "responsible regulator" by only gradually increasing oil output by 400,000 barrels a day (bpd) each month.

"What we have seen over the past few months again and again and again is that energy markets must be regulated otherwise things will go astray," Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Saudi energy minister, said in an extended press conference.

The group sought to present a united front to the US, with energy ministers from Mexico to the UAE lining up to support the decision.

Opec+ said in a statement it wanted to "provide clarity to the market at times when other parts of the energy complex outside the boundaries of oil markets are experiencing extreme volatility and instability".

Abdulaziz repeatedly referenced gas and coal markets, the prices of which have risen faster than oil this year, to justify the group's actions but the explanation failed to satisfy the White House.

Saudi Arabia has long been one of Washington's most important Middle Eastern allies but tensions are increasing with the Biden Administration.

Biden has refused to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the heir to King Salman and day-to-day ruler of the country. The US released a declassified intelligence report in March that said the Crown Prince authorised the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Abdulaziz is the half brother of the Crown Prince and is seen as frustrated by the push by western countries to cut their reliance on fossil fuels while also asking the kingdom to raise oil production.

"The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US is at risk of being strained as the latter is going full-bore to tackle climate change," said Christyan Malek, head of oil and gas research at JPMorgan.

"But Saudi Arabia in this context needs to fund its own energy transition. And it's looking for an oil price and a relationship which is conducive for that."

The White House has also said it is monitoring Russia's actions in natural gas markets, as prices in Europe and Asia have soared fivefold this year. Some lawmakers in Europe and the US have blamed Moscow for exacerbating the gas price surge by restricting supplies to Western Europe.

Bob McNally, head of Rapidan Energy Group and a former adviser to the George W Bush White House, said the decision by Opec+ could prompt a response from consumer countries.

"Given the complete rebuff by Opec+ and President Biden's clear threats to respond, odds of a US if not an International Energy Agency strategic stock release are rising fast along with other retaliatory options," he said.

Under the current plan, Opec+ will add 400,000 bpd every month until the end of 2022, restoring oil supply removed last year after the US cajoled Saudi Arabia and Russia to make record deep cuts to prop up an industry devastated by the pandemic.

Saudi bid to become regional business hub

Reportedly, Saudi Arabia has issued licenses to 44 international entities to set up regional headquarters in the capital Riyadh, as the kingdom seeks to project an image of change to lure foreign capital and talent.

Multinationals in sectors including technology, food and beverages, consulting and construction are among the entities eligible to set up headquarters. They include South Korea's Samsung, Deloitte, Unilever, Baker Hughes and Siemens.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is spearheading a campaign to make Saudi Arabia a regional business hub. State news agency SPA cited Fahd al-Rasheed, President of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, as saying the moves would add 67 billion riyals (US$18 billion) to the Saudi economy and create around 30,000 jobs by 2030.

The country has set out a Vision 2030 program ‑ a neoliberal reform agenda aimed at reducing the Kingdom's economic dependence on oil.

Saudi Arabia also needs to reassure foreign investors nervous about putting money into the kingdom due to reputational risks stemming from purported human rights violations at home and in Yemen, and the sour taste left by the murder in 2018 of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul.

The world's top oil exporter and largest Arab economy is also setting a deadline, saying in February it would give foreign entities until the end of 2023 to set up shop in Riyadh or risk losing out on government contracts.

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid al-Falih told Nikkei Asia that it was not a case of merely competing with the UAE for foreign direct investment.

"We believe all capitals of the Middle East will continue to grow and thrive with the growth of Saudi Arabia. With the achievements of Vision 2030 [and] with the growth of Riyadh, it will create a spillover effect into the region," al-Falih said in the interview.

"Riyadh's economic quality will transform into higher growth sectors such as technology, health care, logistics, advanced manufacturing, food processing [and] financial centers ... centered in Riyadh to serve the broader region."

Al-Falih said his country was working to improve lifestyles for foreigners based in Riyadh.

"We are only starting the climb. This is an escalator we are riding to improve liveability in Riyadh," he said. "We are on a continuous, never-ending journey to improve our liveability [and] ... investment environment. Boosting skills for our talent and improving our competitiveness for the Saudi economy."

Saudi Arabia investment minister Khalid al-Falih speaks to Nikkei Asia in an interview in Riyadh. (Photo by Saudi Ministry of Investment)

But Ryan Bohl, a senior geopolitical risk analyst for intelligence firm Middle East at Stratfor, said it is unlikely that Riyadh will be able to quickly make improvements in legal and banking services, social issues, entertainment and education.

"Riyadh will take years to create the natural pulls needed to get these Asian and International institutions to shift over to Riyadh," he said. "There is a real chance Saudi Arabia weakens these provisions before the deadline, which would reduce the challenge to Dubai's model."

"But even if they don't, the Emirati government might decide to either provide compensation for those that endure Saudi penalties -- create new policies that liberalize the UAE's labor market further to make it an easier place to live and work than Saudi."

During the recent Riyadh Future Initiative Investment Summit, dubbed "Davos in the Desert," international investors were reluctant to speak openly about moving their Dubai headquarters to Riyadh.

"The Gulf region is growing fast enough to sustain offices in multiple jurisdictions," Tarek Fadlallah, CEO of Japanese Nomura Asset Management (Dubai), told Nikkei.

Anthony Habis, head of the Middle East and North Africa for BNY Mellon, said the U.S. investment bank was expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia with its local entity and strategic partnerships. "We are proud to have a Saudi CEO and local team based in Riyadh, and we share in the Saudi Vision 2030 of building capital markets."

Hazem Ben-Gacem, co-CEO of Investcorp Bahrain, lauded Riyadh's recent progress. "Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has done an exceptional job to challenge the status quo, not just in terms of structural and fiscal reforms but also on the social front."

Chinese artificial intelligence company Sensetime said it will be growing its presence in Saudi Arabia, but did not comment further.

The assassination of Khashoggi prompted numerous investors, including the CEOs of BlackRock and JPMorgan Chase, to pull out of an investment event in Riyadh in 2018.

A senior consultant who spoke to Nikkei on condition of anonymity said that "reputational risks are still a concern for some international and Asian investors." The person added, however, that while some investors "will be excited by the prospect and level of business activity in Riyadh, others will have social considerations."

Revival of Pakistan Bangladesh relations

Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina reiterated her government’s desire for stronger trade ties and economic collaboration with Pakistan. She was talking to Pak­istan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Ahmed Siddiqui during their meeting in Dhaka.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office, in a statement issued said the two sides agreed to promote bilateral relations. This was the second meeting between Hasina and Siddiqui in less than a year.

The meeting came amid warming of ties between the two countries after remaining in deep freeze for over a decade.

It is important to note that the meeting took place at a time when both countries have begun to prepare for Hasina’s first ever visit to Pakistan.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister has recently conveyed in writing to Pakistan her acceptance of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s invitation, which was extended in July 2020. No dates have been set as yet for the trip. Hasina has also invited Khan to visit Bangladesh.

Pakistani side has proposed to Bangladesh to prepare a road map for Hasina’s trip so that it is fruitful. Moreover, Islamabad is seeking revival of bilateral mechanisms like the foreign secretaries’ dialogue, which has not been held for nearly 13 years.

Pakistan-Bangladesh relationship, took a nosedive after Hasina started her second tenure as prime minister in 2009 when she resumed 1971 ‘war crimes’ trial.

Pakistan has always considered the bitter 1971 dismemberment of the country as a closed chapter in view of the tripartite agreement signed in April 1974 for the repatriation of war prisoners.

Relations started improving last year. The developments in the Pakistan-Bangladesh ties came in the backdrop of Delhi-Dhaka ties turning lukewarm following the enactment of controversial Citizenship Amendment Act by India last year. Moreover, growing Chinese influence in Dhaka has also brought Pakistan and Bangladesh closer.

Ambassador Siddiqui conveyed Prime Minister Khan’s message of goodwill and friendship to Hasina and the people of Bangladesh. He also presented a photo album of the late Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s visit to Pakistan in 1974 to attend the OIC Summit; videos of his engagements in Pakistan during the summit; a photograph of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s portrait in Lahore Museum, as well as Bangla version of a coffee table book “Alla’ma bil Qalam” containing calligraphy-art rendered by Pakistani artists.

Prime Minister Hasina thanked the high commissioner for the gifts and reciprocated the greetings and good wishes by Prime Minister Khan.