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President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has sought Saudi Arabia’s support in addressing the ongoing global energy crisis and called for increased trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafar H Al-Abia paid a courtesy call on the president at Bangabhaban on Monday afternoon. It was the first meeting the president held with a foreign diplomat since assuming office.
According to President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam, the ambassador conveyed congratulations to Mirza Fakhrul on behalf of Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Welcoming the ambassador, President Mirza Fakhrul urged Saudi Arabia to stand by Bangladesh amid the global energy crisis and stressed the need to increase bilateral trade and investment at both government and private-sector levels.
He also called for improved facilities for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims, particularly better toilets and bathing facilities in Mina, to make their pilgrimage more convenient.
The Saudi ambassador assured him of taking appropriate measures.
The president expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for employing more than 3.5 million Bangladeshi workers and urged the country to continue recruiting workers from Bangladesh on a priority basis.
Through the ambassador, Mirza Fakhrul also invited the Saudi king and crown prince to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.
Describing Bangladesh-Saudi relations as excellent, the president stressed further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation.
He also praised the Saudi leadership and expressed Bangladesh’s solidarity with the kingdom.
The Saudi ambassador assured continued cooperation in energy, assistance and investment.
The president’s secretary, military secretary, press secretary and senior officials from the Foreign Ministry were present at the meeting.
