Saudi Arabia interested in expanding investment across multiple sectors in Bangladesh: State Minister

Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in strengthening bilateral relations with Bangladesh and increasing investment across a range of sectors, according to Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The issue was discussed during a meeting on Tuesday morning at the State Guest House Padma.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir, along with a Saudi delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed El Khereiji.

Speaking after the meeting, State Minister Shama Obaed said the purpose of the Saudi delegation's visit was to further enhance relations between the two countries. She said Saudi Arabia had expressed confidence in Bangladesh's leadership and was interested in cooperating with Bangladesh in multiple sectors, rather than focusing on a single area.

She also said Saudi Arabia is interested in recruiting more skilled workers from Bangladesh.

In addition, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed interest in visiting Saudi Arabia and has invited the Saudi Crown Prince to visit Bangladesh.

She added that a meeting of the Bangladesh–Saudi Joint Working Group is expected to be held in Bangladesh later this year.

Regarding the issue of passports for Rohingya refugees, the State Minister said that the matter concerning more than 70,000 Rohingya residing in Saudi Arabia is moving toward resolution.

She noted that the Bangladesh Embassy and the relevant government agencies are working together to address the issue.