Visiting Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud on Wednesday said many Saudi companies are keen to make investment in the energy sector of Bangladesh, particularly in renewable energy. He said this during a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban here. PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting. Read: Will work together to expand cooperation with Bangladesh, says Saudi FM The prime minister told the Saudi FM that her government is establishing 100 special economic zones across the country. She hoped that the Saudi investors would avail the opportunities prevailing in Bangladesh. "I welcome Saudi Arabia’s investment in Bangladesh," she was quoted as saying. Hasina expressed her satisfaction over the bilateral relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). "The bilateral cooperation has extended and consolidated in many areas that include economy, trade, commerce, investment, energy, education, culture and defence,” she said. The PM said Saudi Arabia has a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh. She conveyed her greetings to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Hasina also appreciated the custodian of the two holy mosques, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his contribution to the Muslim Ummah. Read: Dhaka set to host first meeting of US-BD officials, post-sanctions The visiting minister described the bilateral relation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia as a ‘strong bond of friendship’ and said, "This will grow from strength to strength in the days to come." He said their priority is to enhance further economic cooperation exploring new areas. Prince Faisal hoped that Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia would work together on various global agenda. He said many Bangladeshi workers are contributing to the global economy. He commended the visionary leadership of Hasina and the commendable economic development of Bangladesh. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, PM’s Ambassador-at-large Mohammad Ziauddin, PM’s principal secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yussef Essa Al Dulaihan were present at the meeting.

 

Uncertainty looms large over the invitation of a planned international bidding for hydrocarbon exploration in the country’s gas blocks due to the coronavirus impact on the global economy.