Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia reaffirm commitment to deepen bilateral ties

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a “comprehensive partnership.” The issue was discussed in detail during a meeting between Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman and Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji at the State Guest House Padma on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by the Home Minister, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister, and other senior officials. Welcoming the Saudi minister, Dr. Khalilur Rahman said Bangladesh attaches the highest importance to its long-standing fraternal and strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.

He proposed transforming the existing relationship into a comprehensive partnership to enhance cooperation in political, economic, security and people-to-people connectivity sectors.

The two sides exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Middle East. The Bangladeshi foreign minister expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and praised its leadership in maintaining regional stability. He reiterated Bangladesh’s support for resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue and international law.

He also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to freedom of navigation and said the country’s participation in the Saudi-led Multilateral Maritime Defence Coalition (MMDC) reflects its commitment to protecting international maritime trade routes and regional security.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed El-Khereiji highlighted the strong people-to-people relations between the two countries and expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in increasing investment in Bangladesh, particularly in ports, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors.

He stressed the need for holding the third Foreign Secretary-level meeting in Dhaka and the 15th Bangladesh-Saudi Joint Commission meeting at the earliest.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman thanked Saudi Arabia for its continued humanitarian and political support for Rohingya refugees sheltered in Bangladesh and sought Riyadh’s continued assistance for their safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

The meeting also reviewed cooperation in security, investment and multilateral issues. Bangladesh’s election as the President of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with Saudi Arabia’s support, was also highlighted.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji is currently in Dhaka on a two-day official visit. A high-level Saudi delegation accompanying him includes two deputy ministers and other senior government officials.

The meeting was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further expand friendship and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.