Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed El-Khereiji at the state guest house Padma in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Welcoming the Saudi vice minister, Khalilur Rahman reaffirmed that Bangladesh attaches the highest importance to its long-standing brotherly and strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and proposed elevating bilateral relations into a comprehensive partnership encompassing political, economic, security and people-to-people cooperation.
Both sides exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East, according to a press release.
The foreign minister expressed Bangladesh’s solidarity with the Kingdom, appreciated Saudi Arabia’s prudent leadership in promoting regional stability, and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s support for the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and international law.
He also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to freedom of navigation, noting that Bangladesh’s participation in the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition (MMDC) reflects its commitment to safeguarding international maritime trade routes and regional stability.
The Saudi vice-minister highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries and stressed the need to expand cooperation, particularly in investment.
He expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in investing in Bangladesh’s ports, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, and emphasised the early convening of the Third Foreign Office Consultations and the 15th Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission Meeting in Dhaka.
The foreign minister appreciated Saudi Arabia’s continued humanitarian and political support for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh and requested continued support for their safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.
The meeting also reviewed cooperation in security, investment and multilateral affairs, including Saudi Arabia’s support for Bangladesh’s election as president of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reaffirming the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to further strengthening their long-standing friendship and expanding their strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam and Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir attended the meeting.
Saudi Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed El-Khereiji is on a two-day official visit to Dhaka, leading a high-level Saudi delegation that includes two deputy ministers and other senior government officials.
