PM seeks stronger Bangladesh-Saudi strategic partnership

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said Bangladesh is keen to build a strategic, multidimensional and long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia and invited greater Saudi investment, especially in the growing solar power sector in the country. GeographicReference

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eng Waleed Elkhereji at the Prime Minister's Office at the Secretariat, said a release issued by the PM’s Press Wing.

The Saudi Vice Minister said Bangladesh has created a favourable environment for investment under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, adding that Saudi Arabia is keen to strengthen bilateral relations further by expanding cooperation and investment in a number of promising sectors.

He also highlighted the significant contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Saudi Arabia's development.

Elkhereji 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.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are founded on mutual trust and long-standing friendship, and that his government wants to develop them into a strategic, multidimensional and long-term partnership.

The Saudi Vice Minister said the Kingdom is interested in investing in Bangladesh's processed food, seafood, tropical food, agro-based industries, information technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and several other sectors.

The Prime Minister urged Saudi Arabia to increase its investment in Bangladesh, saying the country now offers a favourable investment climate.

He particularly invited Saudi investment in the solar power sector, noting that Bangladesh is implementing an extensive programme to expand the use of clean energy and that investment by Saudi companies would be beneficial for both countries.

At the meeting, the Bangladesh side said it attaches great importance to its relationship with Saudi Arabia and is committed to further strengthening bilateral ties through broader and more contemporary cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, the Saudi Vice Minister invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia.

The Prime Minister thanked him for the invitation and expressed hope of visiting the Kingdom at a mutually convenient time.

The Saudi delegation included Adviser to the Saudi Interior Minister Lt Gen Sulaiman bin Abdulaziz Al-Yahya, Deputy Minister for Consular Affairs Dr Mohammed Al-Shammari, Deputy Minister for 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.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed and Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir were, among others, present at the meeting.