Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman and Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Waleed ElKhereiji, have reached a consensus to elevate the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to new heights.
During a courtesy meeting held at the PM’s Office in Bangladesh Secretariat on Tuesday, both sides expressed a firm commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Vice Minister Waleed said a positive investment climate has been established in Bangladesh under the leadership of Tarique Rahman, prompting a sincere interest from the Saudi government to further strengthen ties and expand investments.
He further acknowledged the significant contributions made by Bangladeshi workers to ongoing development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Vice Minister also extended his congratulations to the PM regarding the election of Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister, Khalilur Rahman, as the president of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
In response, Tarique described the bond between the two countries as being founded on mutual trust and long-standing friendship, adding that his administration intends to build a strategic, multi-dimensional, and long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia.
The discussion highlighted several potential sectors for Saudi investment, including processed food, seafood, tropical food, agro-based industries, information technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
Tarique specifically called for increased Saudi participation in solar power sector, highlighting that Bangladesh is implementing extensive programmes for clean energy and that such investments would prove mutually beneficial for both nations.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Waleed invited the PM to visit Saudi Arabia, an invitation which Tarique accepted, expressing his hope to make the trip at a convenient time.
The high-level Saudi delegation included Advisor to the Interior Minister Lt Gen Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Mohammad Al-Shammari, and Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Issa.
They were joined by the Saudi ambassador to Bangladesh Abdullah bin Abiyyah, along with senior officials from Saudi foreign and interior ministries. Representing Bangladesh side were Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, and PM’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Humayun Kabir.
