UAE President thanks Bangladesh, eyes early Dhaka visit

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has thanked Bangladesh for standing in solidarity with the UAE following Iranian attacks, expressing interest in visiting Dhaka at the earliest opportunity.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the UAE president conveyed his sincere appreciation for Bangladesh's support during what he described as a difficult time, the UAE Embassy in Dhaka said.

Sheikh Mohamed also expressed deep grief over the deaths of two Bangladeshi nationals killed in the attacks, offering condolences to their bereaved families and sympathy to the people of Bangladesh.

In the letter, the UAE president reaffirmed his commitment to further strengthening economic, development and humanitarian cooperation between Bangladesh and the UAE. He said the relationship between the two countries would be deepened further on the basis of mutual respect, friendship, and a shared commitment to regional peace and stability.

The UAE president also accepted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's invitation and expressed his willingness to undertake an official visit to Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time, saying he hoped such a visit would further deepen and diversify the existing ties between the two friendly nations.

The exchange follows earlier communication between the two leaders after Iran's missile attacks on the UAE and several other regional countries, during which Bangladesh had already conveyed its full solidarity with the UAE and backed its right to take necessary measures to safeguard its sovereignty and security.