Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed Bangladesh’s interest in forming a strategic, multidimensional, and long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia, while inviting increased Saudi investment in Bangladesh’s burgeoning solar power sector.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rahman conveyed these aspirations during a courtesy meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eng Waleed Elkhereji, at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat. Elkhereji acknowledged the favorable investment climate in Bangladesh under Prime Minister Rahman’s leadership and expressed Saudi Arabia’s eagerness to bolster bilateral relations by expanding cooperation and investment across several promising sectors.
Elkhereji also commended the significant contributions of Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia’s development and congratulated Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Dr Khalilur Rahman, on his election as President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Prime Minister Rahman emphasized that the foundation of Bangladesh-Saudi relations is mutual trust and long-standing friendship, advocating for these ties to evolve into a strategic partnership.
The Saudi Vice Minister detailed Saudi Arabia’s interest in investing in various sectors in Bangladesh, including processed food, seafood, tropical food, agro-based industries, information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and others. The Prime Minister reiterated Bangladesh’s favorable investment environment and encouraged Saudi investment, particularly in solar power, highlighting the country’s efforts to expand clean energy initiatives for mutual benefit.
Bangladesh underscored its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia through broader and more contemporary cooperation. At the conclusion of the meeting, Elkhereji extended an invitation to Prime Minister Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia, which Rahman graciously accepted, expressing hope to visit at a mutually convenient time.
The Saudi delegation comprised senior officials, including Adviser to the Saudi Interior Minister Lt Gen Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Dr Mohammed Al-Shammari, and others. The meeting was also attended by Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir.