Key muslim nations pledge support for Bangladesh's UNGA bid

Several Muslim countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Pakistan, Türkiye, Palestine, and Gambia, have expressed full support for Bangladesh’s bid to preside over the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman held bilateral meetings with Muslim leaders on the sidelines of an emergency OIC session in Jeddah on Friday (February 27), during which several countries assured their full support.

Attendees included Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khereiji, Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister Musa Kulaklikaya, Palestine Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian, and Gambia’s Foreign Minister Sering Modou.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement, the leaders congratulated Bangladesh’s ruling party and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, expressing hope for political stability and development.

They also praised Bangladesh’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause.

During the meetings, Ishaq Dar confirmed that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will soon visit Bangladesh. Musa Kulaklikaya highlighted historic Bangladesh–Turkey ties and prospects for broader cooperation. Khalilur Rahman thanked Turkey and Gambia for support on Rohingya refugee issues and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s stance on a sovereign Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia’s Waleed Al-Khereiji invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and the Foreign Minister to visit the kingdom, discussing investment and Vision 2030 cooperation.

Prime Minister’s foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir attended the meetings.