Dhaka: Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Waleed Elkhereji, engaged in discussions with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, on Tuesday, focusing on mutual interests between the two nations. The meeting, which took place at the state guesthouse Padma, was attended by several key figures, including Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the Saudi vice minister arrived in Dhaka on Monday night for a two-day visit, during which he was welcomed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, Humaiun Kobir. The visit underscores the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh, with the vice minister set to depart Bangladesh on Tuesday afternoon.

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah, highlighted the potential for strategic investments and industrial partnerships, forecasting a “transformative phase” in economic relations over the next five years. He emphasized Bangladesh’s position as a dynamic investment destination in South Asia, with a substantial market of over 170 million people and a strategic location bridging South and Southeast Asia.

Traditionally, the partnership between the two countries has been centered on manpower cooperation and energy trade. Ambassador Dr. Abdullah pointed out several promising sectors for collaboration, including energy infrastructure, LNG, oil refining, healthcare services, pharmaceuticals, and food security initiatives.