DHAKA, Bangladesh 

A Pakistani naval ship has anchored off Bangladesh's main port Saturday in the southeastern city Chattogram in a rare visit for a four-day goodwill visit until Nov. 12, according to a Bangladesh army media statement.

The warship, PNS SAIF, is expected to strengthen relations between the two countries, said the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate (ISPR) of the army.

The visit is the first after 1971, when Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in a nine-month bloody war. It followed a cargo ship that anchored in the port for the first time last year after the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took office.

Bangladesh and Pakistan have been witnessing improving relations after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a mass uprising on Aug. 5, 2024, and fled to India.

Hasina maintained good ties with India and narrowed relations with Pakistan during her 15-year rule, including in trade and strategies.

Upon arrival at the Chattogram port, the Chief Staff Officer of the Chittagong Naval Region welcomed the warship,

A Pakistani delegation, including the captain and other officers of the ship, will visit the Bangladesh naval region, historical and scenic sites, naval ships and bases in Chattogram.

Bangladeshi Navy officers and sailors will also visit the ship.

In late October, Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza visited Bangladesh and held a meeting with top military officials and interim government head Muhammad Yunus.