DHAKA: Foreign minister AH Mahmood Ali said that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is interested to help Bangladesh fight terrorism and extremism through meaningful cooperation.

Foreign Minister Ali, who is in a 3-day official visit to the kingdom from January 5, held bilateral talks with his Saudi counterpart Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir in Riyadh Wednesday (6 January).

The two FMs reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries as well as exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest including mutual cooperation at the UN and other international fora including the OIC.

The visiting foreign minister conveyed the greetings of Bangladesh premier to the custodian of the two holy mosques King Salman and proposed that Bangladesh PM may undertake a visit to the kingdom at an early date preferably between March to May this year.

Welcoming the upcoming visit of Bangladesh PM in advance, Saudi foreign minister stated that King Salman would be more than happy to receive her.

‘The relation between the two brotherly countries is an excellent one for many years,’ Al-Jubeir commented.

Both the ministers agreed to work on a number of instruments for cooperation on investment, culture and education, agriculture etc. so that those could be signed during Sheikh Hasina’s visit.

They also agreed to sign the MoU on Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between the two countries during the upcoming visit of Bangladesh premier.

According to Bangladesh FM, the Saudi foreign minister lauded the role of Bangladesh community in the kingdom as they are contributing to economic development of both the nations.

“He (Al-Jubeir) also agreed to have further cooperation in recruiting more skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh including doctors and nurses,’ Mahmood Ali said.

They also agreed that a delegation from Saudi health ministry may undertake a visit to Bangladesh to inspect the medical degrees and other facilities for future recruitment of Bangladeshi health professionals.

Referring to the recently held Joint Commission Meeting between the two countries and the decisions taken there, Bangladesh foreign minister further briefed about recent developments in Bangladesh as well as described pool of quality workers and world class export items such as readymade garments (RMG) and pharmaceutical products for their possible export to the kingdom.

Saudi foreign minister was convinced that Saudi businessmen can explore further opportunities in trade and investment in Bangladesh and they can visit Bangladesh to see the facilities of pharmaceutical industry.

Al-Jubeir also directed the high officials of the ministry concerned, who were present in the meeting, to advise their embassy in Dhaka to issue business visa to Bangladeshi businesspeople.

Both also agreed to work for opening of branches by Bangladeshi commercial banks in Saudi Arabia which would be helpful for boosting trade and investments between the countries.

Bangladesh foreign minister proposed for cooperation between the respective training institutions of civil administration of both countries, which was welcomed by Saudi side.

Mahmood Ali also requested his Saudi counterpart to assist in securing land for Bangladesh community schools in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.

Saudi foreign minister responded that the matter is being examined by the Saudi education ministry.

Moreover, Saudi foreign minister accepted the invitation of his Bangladesh counterpart to undertake a visit to Dhaka soon at a mutually convenient date.

In the meeting deputy foreign ministers of different divisions of the Saudi ministry were present. From Bangladesh side ambassador Golam Moshi, deputy chief of mission Nazrul Islam and consul general, Jeddah Shahidul Karim and foreign minister’s office director Asif Rahman were present.

Mahmood Ali is expected to have a meeting with Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary General in Jeddah on January 7.

He is scheduled to return to Dhaka on January 8.

Earlier on January 5, Bangladesh foreign minister was received and greeted by Saudi deputy foreign minister Azzam Abdul Karim Al-Gain at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

BDST: 1918 HRS, JAN 07, 2016
RR/SMS