Bangladesh has initiated bilateral discussions with Saudi Arabia and Qatar to bolster its national energy security, secure LNG supplies, and attract foreign investment in renewable energy.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit held separate bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 17th International Energy Forum (IEF-17) in the Saudi capital.
The meetings took place on Sunday with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Electricity Nasser Al-Qahtani, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and Dr Samir J Serhan, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi energy firm ACWA Power.
During his meeting with Nasser Al-Qahtani, Amit sought Saudi support to ensure Bangladesh’s long-term energy security and achieve its 2030 energy sector targets.
Discussions focused on establishing a cooperation framework, exchanging delegations, setting up floating LNG terminals, and conducting onshore and offshore gas exploration.
Al-Qahtani affirmed that Bangladesh remains a priority brotherly nation and pledged continued support for its energy and development initiatives.
The State Minister also offered condolences over victims of a Houthi rebel attack on Riyadh International Airport, expressing solidarity with the Saudi government and people.
He informed Al-Qahtani of a condolence message sent by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, while requesting assistance to repatriate the bodies of two deceased Bangladeshi nationals and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
In talks with Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, who also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of QatarEnergy, both sides reviewed existing LNG import mechanisms to meet Bangladesh’s growing gas demand.
Discussions addressed potential long-term supply contracts, expanding LNG deliveries via QatarEnergy’s international network, and diversifying supply routes, with both ministers agreeing to maintain commercial and technical dialogue.
Meanwhile, ACWA Power expressed keen interest in investing in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector during talks with Dr Samir J Serhan.
Officials noted these engagements will strengthen long-term energy security, expand LNG access, and drive renewable investment.
Members of the Bangladesh delegation and officials from the Bangladesh Embassy in Saudi Arabia attended the sessions.
