Courtesy call of Saudi Ambassador on President

Dr. Abdullah Zafar H Bin Abia, Saudi Ambassador to Dhaka, has paid a courtesy call on President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.

During the meeting with the President at Bangabhaban the Saudi Ambassador conveyed congratulations to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on assuming the responsibility as President on behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at noon on Monday (August 24). Md. Sarwar Alam, Press Secretary to the President, informed this information to the media.

Welcoming the Saudi Ambassador the President called upon Saudi Arabia to assist Bangladesh amid the current global energy crisis. At the same time he emphasized increasing trade and investment at the government and private levels of the two countries.

The President called upon Saudi Arabia to make the travel of Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims smoother and reduce the hardship of the Hajis. He especially requested improvement of bathroom and toilet facilities in Mina. In this regard the Saudi Ambassador assured taking appropriate measures.

Mentioning that more than 35 lakh Bangladeshi workers are employed in Saudi Arabia the President expressed gratitude to the country. He called for taking manpower from Bangladesh on priority basis in future as well.

At this time the President invited King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman through the Saudi Ambassador to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.

During the meeting Mirza Fakhrul emphasised further strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation mentioning that the relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are extremely excellent. He praised the leadership of the Saudi King and the Crown Prince and conveyed greetings for their leadership for the welfare of the Muslim Ummah.

In reply the Saudi Ambassador assured continuing cooperation with Bangladesh in the fields of energy, assistance and investment.

It has been informed that this is the first meeting of Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir with any foreign diplomat after assuming the responsibility as President. As a result the meeting is carrying special significance.

At this time the Secretary to the President, Military Secretary, Press Secretary and senior officials of the Foreign Ministry were present.