United News of Bangladesh

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan has said the Saudi Embassy issued more than 2.2 million workers' visas over the past three years, facilitating opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia. Over the past five years bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have reached new heights, marked by several significant developments, he said at a function in Dhaka on Tuesday. The Ambassador, who received this year's "Bangladesh Medal for Diplomatic Excellence”, said with new opportunities in trade and investment, Bangladesh has successfully attracted significant Saudi investments, including projects by ACWA Power, Red Sea Gateway International company and companies in the pharmaceutical, readymade garments, food agriculture and many other sectors. Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin, Secretary (East) Dr Md Nazrul Islam and Director General (West Asia Wing) Md Shafiqur Rahman were present at the ceremony held at the Foreign Service Academy.  

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, Essa bin Yousef Al Duhailan, has said Bangladesh is an emerging economic power in Southeast Asia, and Saudi Arabia is keen to invest in various sectors of Bangladesh. “Many renowned Saudi companies and investors have shown keen interest in investing in different sectors,” he said in a message marking the 93rd Saudi National Day. The Saudi Embassy will celebrate the day in Dhaka on September 26. The Saudi National Day, however, falls on September 23. The ambassador said the Kingdom has also provided financial assistance for different projects, like building houses, schools, mosques, orphanages, and shelters for protection from natural disasters, as well as establishing hospitals, bridges, and power plants. Read: Japan wants to increase investment in Bangladesh: Japanese envoy told FBCCI He said the Saudi-Bangladesh relations were strengthened after the visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the Kingdom in 2016 and meeting with the King of Saudi Arabia, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, as well as visits by a number of Saudi ministers who accompanied high-level officials from the Kingdom to Bangladesh. The Saudi ambassador also said relationship between the two countries is deep-rooted and outstanding, based on a strong foundation of religious and cultural ties. “Saudi Arabia is accustomed to standing beside Bangladesh and helping it, especially in times of hardship. The Bangladeshi nation loves Islam and the Kingdom wholeheartedly, which gives great importance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said. Read: PM Hasina seeks Dutch investment in Bangladesh shipbuilding sector The envoy mentioned that millions of Bangladeshis are working in different sectors in the Kingdom, which is recognized as the “greatest labor market in the world.” “The Kingdom has made a great contribution to the betterment of the living standards of this country, as migrant workers are sending remittances to their beloved family members constantly,” he said. The Saudi ambassador said the Kingdom is leading in always extending its hand for cooperation and helps Bangladesh whenever it is affected by disasters. Read more: US investment in Bangladesh's tech market to pave the way for the development of digital economy of two countries: Palak