Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister Eng Waleed El-Khereiji on Tuesday agreed to deepen the longstanding Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relationship by building a strategic, multidimensional partnership and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and other key sectors.
The understanding came during a courtesy call by El-Khereiji on the prime minister at the Prime Minister's Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat, according to Prime Minister's Assistant Press Secretary Shahriar Pamir.
Prime Minister Tarique said Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relations are built on mutual trust and longstanding friendship, adding that his government seeks to develop a strategic, multidimensional, and long-term partnership with the Kingdom.
Inviting greater Saudi investment, the prime minister said Bangladesh offers a conducive environment for investors and particularly encouraged investment in the solar power sector. He noted that the government is implementing extensive programs to expand the use of clean energy and said Saudi investment in the sector would be mutually beneficial.
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking bilateral relations to a new level.
El-Khereiji said Bangladesh has created a favorable investment climate under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, adding that Saudi Arabia is keen to strengthen ties and expand investment in a range of promising sectors.
He said the Kingdom is interested in investing in Bangladesh's processed food, seafood, tropical fruits, agro-based industries, information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and other sectors.
The Saudi deputy foreign minister also acknowledged the significant contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia's development.
El-Khereiji congratulated the prime minister on the election of Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
At the conclusion of the meeting, El-Khereiji invited the prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia. Tarique thanked him for the invitation and expressed hope of visiting the Kingdom at a mutually convenient time.
The Saudi delegation included Adviser to the Interior Minister Lt Gen Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Dr Mohammed Al-Shammari, Deputy Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Muhannad bin Ahmed Al-Issa, Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah bin Abiyah, and senior officials from the Saudi Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior.
The Bangladesh side included Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, and the prime minister's adviser on foreign affairs, Humaiun Kobir.
