Saudi Crown Prince is coming to visit Bangladesh, Dhaka-Riyadh relations will be strengthened
September 30, 2024Updated:September 30, 20242 Mins Read
Jumbangla Desk: Foreign Adviser Md. Tauhid Hossain said that the upcoming visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Bangladesh will undoubtedly strengthen the long-standing bilateral partnership.

At a reception on the occasion of the 94th National Day of Saudi Arabia organized by the Saudi Embassy in Dhaka yesterday evening, Tauhid Hossain said, 'We are eagerly awaiting the upcoming visit of the Prince. Our bilateral relations will be further strengthened through his visit.'

Referring to the deep ties between the two countries, the foreign adviser said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975, the partnership of the two countries has developed in various fields. The two countries are preparing to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations next year.

He also said, 'We are committed to forming a strategic partnership.'

Tawhid praised Saudi Arabia's Vision-2030, a transformational plan aimed at diversifying and sustaining the Saudi economy under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Foreign Adviser expressed Bangladesh's desire to contribute to this ambitious vision by sharing its experience and expertise for sustainable and inclusive development.

Expressing his gratitude to Saudi Arabia for employing nearly 3 million semi-skilled and unskilled Bangladeshi workers, he said these workers are contributing to the economy of both countries.

The foreign adviser emphasized that Saudi Arabia is a steadfast partner in Bangladesh's development journey. The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has been playing an important role in our various infrastructure projects for many years.

He noted that two-way trade between the two countries has exceeded $2 billion in recent years due to Saudi investors' growing interest in sectors such as logistics, infrastructure and renewable energy.

The advisor highlighted Saudi Arabia's commitment to increasing Bangladesh's logistical capacity as an example of the recent investment initiative of the Red Sea Gateway Terminal in operating the Patenga Container Terminal.

He invited Saudi companies to explore investment opportunities in Special Economic Zones of Bangladesh. He offered significant potential in infrastructure, power, tourism and service sectors in these economic zones.

Tawhid also mentioned that both countries have identified new areas of cooperation, especially in labor migration, investment, infrastructure, education, agriculture and environment.

"Looking ahead, we plan to elevate the joint commission to ministerial status, reflecting the growing importance of our relationship," he said.

This move will open up new opportunities and support each other in international forums including enhancing cooperation in addressing global challenges, he said.

Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Isa Yusuf Isa Al Duhailan gave a welcome speech on the occasion.

Last March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may visit Bangladesh in the second half of this year.

Information advisor Nahid Islam was invited to visit China