United News of Bangladesh

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Tuesday reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to freedom of navigation, noting that the country's participation in the Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defence Coalition (MMDC) reflects its commitment to safeguarding international maritime trade routes and regional stability. The Foreign Minister held bilateral talks with the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Eng. Waleed El-Khereiji, at the State Guest House Padma, where the two sides exchanged views on the evolving situation in the Middle East. The meeting also reviewed cooperation in security, investment and multilateral affairs, including Saudi Arabia's support for Bangladesh's election as President of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Dr. Khalilur expressed Bangladesh's solidarity with the Kingdom, appreciated Saudi Arabia's prudent leadership in promoting regional stability, and reaffirmed Bangladesh's support for the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and international law. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humaiun Kobir, among others, were present at the meeting with the Saudi delegation led by the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Saudi Vice Minister paid a two-day official visit to Dhaka, leading a high-level Saudi delegation that included two deputy ministers and other senior government officials. Welcoming the Saudi Vice Minister, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed that Bangladesh attaches the highest importance to its longstanding brotherly and strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and proposed elevating bilateral relations to a 'Comprehensive Partnership' encompassing political, economic, security and people-to-people cooperation. The Saudi Vice Minister highlighted the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries and stressed the need to expand cooperation, particularly in investment. He expressed Saudi Arabia's interest in investing in Bangladesh's ports, infrastructure and renewable energy sectors, and emphasised the early convening of the third Foreign Office Consultations and the 15th Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission Meeting in Dhaka. The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's continued humanitarian and political support for the Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh and requested continued support for their safe, voluntary and sustainable repatriation to Myanmar. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia to further strengthening their longstanding friendship and expanding their strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of both countries.