Dhaka: Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday highlighted Bangladesh’s commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation, underscoring that the nation’s involvement in the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition (MMDC) emphasizes its dedication to protecting international maritime trade routes and promoting regional stability. During bilateral discussions with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji, at the State Guest House Padma, both parties exchanged views on the changing dynamics in the Middle East.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the meeting reviewed cooperation in areas such as security, investment, and multilateral affairs, including Saudi Arabia’s backing for Bangladesh’s candidacy as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Dr. Khalilur expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, acknowledged its leadership in fostering regional stability, and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for peaceful dispute resolution through dialogue and adherence to international law.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, among others. The Saudi Vice Minister led a high-level delegation for a two-day official visit to Dhaka, accompanied by two deputy ministers and other senior officials.
In welcoming the Saudi Vice Minister, Dr. Khalilur reiterated that Bangladesh prioritizes its strong brotherly and strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and proposed upgrading bilateral relations to a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’ covering political, economic, security, and people-to-people cooperation. The Saudi Vice Minister emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation, particularly in investment, and expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh’s ports, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors.
He also called for the early scheduling of the third Foreign Office Consultations and the 15th Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission Meeting in Dhaka. The Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian and political support for the Rohingyas in Bangladesh and sought continuous assistance for their safe and voluntary repatriation to Myanmar.
The discussions reaffirmed the shared resolve of both nations to enhance their longstanding friendship and expand their strategic partnership for mutual benefit. On a broader front, Saudi Arabia has shown keen interest in diversifying its engagement with Bangladesh beyond manpower, eyeing investments in fisheries, food, energy, and technology sectors. State Minister Shama Obaed Islam noted the successful and fruitful nature of these discussions, with both sides focusing on expanding economic cooperation.
She revealed that Saudi Arabia is interested in recruiting more skilled workers from Bangladesh, marking another key area of negotiation. The Saudi Crown Prince has extended an invitation to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with reciprocal invitations extended to the Prince to visit Bangladesh. Shama Obaed expressed optimism about a joint Bangladesh-Saudi investment meeting, involving the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority and other stakeholders.
She announced upcoming political consultations and a Joint Working Group meeting in Bangladesh, underscoring continuous communication and exchange. Saudi Arabia’s confidence in a stronger future bilateral relationship was echoed by its Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah, who highlighted potential strategic investments and partnerships as a transformative phase in economic ties between the two nations.