Bangladesh on Tuesday honored Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan with prestigious award “Bangladesh Medal for Diplomatic Excellence" for his "profound and enduring contributions" toward elevating Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship to unprecedented heights.
"Your (Ambassador) legacy of fostering unparalleled goodwill and collaboration between our two nations will forever be etched in our collective memory," Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said, extending his heartfelt congratulations to Ambassador of Saudi Arabia o behalf of the government and the people of Bangladesh.
Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin presided over the conferment ceremony held at the Foreign Service Academy.
Secretary (East) Dr Md. Nazrul Islam and Director General (West Asia Wing) Md Shafiqur Rahman were also present.
The Saudi Ambassador expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the government of Bangladesh for this honor.
"This award symbolises the strong bond between our two countries; and I am proud to have been part of this journey," he said.
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The Ambassador dedicated this award to his beloved Saudi Arabia, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Crown Prince and Prime Minister; Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud; as well as his family.
"I echo the heartfelt sentiment of Bangladesh’s National Anthem: "Amar Sonar Bangla, Ami Tomai Bhalobasi."
Throughout Bangladesh's diplomatic history, Adviser Hossain said, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has remained a steadfast friend and trusted ally.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the inception of our diplomatic engagement.
The Adviser said the collaboration has yielded significant benefits in areas such as development and joint advocacy for shared goals on international platforms.
This brotherly relationship is marked by enduring support and collaboration, evident in development partnerships and joint advocacy for shared goals on international platforms, Hossain said.
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Over three million Bangladeshi expatriates are working in Saudi Arabia, playing a vital role in the Kingdom’s economy while contributing to Bangladesh’s development through remittances.
"This interdependence reflects the strong and growing connection between our two nations," said the Foreign Adviser.
Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking investments in Bangladesh—spanning key areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and finance—have further solidified this bond, he said.
"Together, we have pursued critical initiatives to ensure energy security and promote peace. Both nations have consistently stood united in rejecting oppression and advocating for global stability and harmony," said the Adviser.
During the tenure of Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, Hossain said, the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relationship has flourished in unprecedented ways.
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"His dynamism and commitment to expanding and consolidating our multifaceted ties have been nothing short of exemplary," said the Adviser, adding that his visionary leadership has fostered collaboration across a spectrum of sectors, with Saudi Arabia emerging as one of their key bilateral partners in trade, investment, and energy security.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ambassador demonstrated unparalleled dedication by safeguarding the welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia and ensuring the continuity of employment for Bangladeshi workers, Hossain said.
These efforts stand as a testament to his compassion and statesmanship, further strengthening the bond between the peoples, he mentioned.
In this noble endeavor, the Adviser said, Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has played an instrumental role, propelling the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia partnership through exceptional cooperation and camaraderie.