Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh have continued to strengthen their longstanding relations across various sectors based on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer Bin Abiyah has said.
“The bonds between our two brotherly countries are founded on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation, and continue to develop across numerous fields for the benefit of both nations and their peoples,” he said in a special message marking the 96th Saudi National Day on 23 September.
The Saudi ambassador hosted a reception at a hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday evening to celebrate the national occasion.
LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan, who attended the event as chief guest, highlighted various aspects of the growing bilateral relations between the two countries.
Opposition Leader in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, political and business leaders, and diplomats stationed in Dhaka were also present.
“We renew our commitment to the Kingdom’s continued progress, prosperity and development, and look forward with confidence and optimism to an even brighter future,” the Saudi envoy said in his message.
Extending greetings on the occasion, he congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the government and people of Saudi Arabia.
The ambassador said the National Day was a proud moment for Saudi citizens and those who live in and have affection for the Kingdom, as it marks the country’s journey since its unification by its founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud.
He said Saudi Arabia was now at an important stage of its development journey under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Kingdom continues to advance the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, transforming its economy, empowering its people, strengthening its international partnerships and creating new opportunities across diverse sectors,” he said.
The envoy said the achievements of recent years reflected the determination and ambition of the Saudi people.
“From economic diversification and investment to tourism, culture, technology, education, healthcare and quality of life, the Kingdom is witnessing a comprehensive transformation that is opening new horizons for the future,” he said.
He said the National Day theme, “Our Pride Is in Our Nature”, represented values that have long defined Saudi society, including generosity, hospitality, determination, authenticity and pride in national identity.
“May the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to enjoy security, stability, prosperity and sustainable development under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince,” he said.
The National Day comes as Saudi Arabia continues implementing the final phase of Saudi Vision 2030, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.
The current phase focuses on consolidating previous achievements, accelerating economic diversification, boosting investment, empowering the private sector and promoting sustainable development.
According to the latest official Vision 2030 Annual Report for 2025, 93 per cent of the key performance indicators under the vision had been achieved, while several others were close to meeting their annual targets.
The report said 90 per cent of Vision 2030 initiatives were either completed or progressing according to plan. Of the 1,290 initiatives, 225 had been completed and 935 were advancing as planned.
Saudi Arabia has also recorded significant achievements in tourism and religious services, with around 18.03 million overseas pilgrims performing Umrah, exceeding the annual target of 15 million.
The Saudi Embassy said the Kingdom, guided by the objectives of Vision 2030, was continuing its efforts towards building a diversified and sustainable economy, a vibrant society and an ambitious nation while pursuing new opportunities for growth and development.
