PM's Saudi visit to boost ties, trade, investment: Foreign adviser

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's forthcoming visit to Saudi Arabia will open a new chapter in Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relations by deepening diplomatic engagement and enhancing bilateral trade and investment, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir said on Monday.

He made the remarks while briefing reporters at the foreign ministry after Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Jafar H Bin Abiyah paid a courtesy call on the prime minister at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

During the meeting, the Saudi envoy handed over an invitation letter from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The adviser said the Saudi ambassador also conveyed greetings from the crown prince and informed the prime minister that the Saudi crown prince is also interested in visiting Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.

"We will strengthen our diplomatic relations as well as the volume of trade and investment in our partnership," said Kobir.

He said the development reflected the two countries' shared interest in further elevating their long-standing brotherly relations into a stronger strategic partnership.

"We are very positive about having a strategic cooperation and partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," he said, adding that Bangladesh's relations with Saudi Arabia have historically been very good.

Kobir said the ties between the two brotherly countries would reach new heights as both sides are keen to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

He said there is "tremendous interest" from the Saudi government and private sector to invest in Bangladesh.

Describing the exchange as a significant moment in bilateral relations, the adviser said the invitation to the prime minister and the Saudi crown prince's willingness to visit Bangladesh showed the importance both sides attach to the relationship.

Replying to a question, Kobir said the prime minister has accepted the invitation to visit Saudi Arabia.

He said the date of the visit would be finalised through discussions between the governments.

Asked whether the prime minister would visit Saudi Arabia first or the crown prince would come to Bangladesh first, the adviser said the matter has not yet been decided.

"These things, through discussions, we will chalk out," he said.

Kobir said the reciprocal interest in high-level visits marked a significant moment in the visibility of the Bangladesh government to the world under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Referring to the prime minister's recent visits to China and Malaysia, he said Bangladesh has already established strategic relationships with the two countries.

He said Saudi Arabia is a very strong partner of Bangladesh in the Middle East.

"We consider Saudi Arabia not just a bilateral partner but a very brotherly partner," the adviser said.

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Saudi ambassador meets Prime Minister

Kobir said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has established strong brotherly ties across the Middle East in the last four months.

He said the prime minister's gesture of sending him as a special messenger across the Middle East during the war had created tremendous goodwill in the region.

The adviser said the goodwill has now culminated in a significant moment where Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will further strengthen and increase their strategic communication and partnership.