Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will hold the second political consultations in Riyadh on July 1 which is likely to highlight issues related to trade, investment, Bangladeshi migrants, Rohingya crisis and other issues of mutual interests, officials said on Sunday (June 30, 2024). Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will lead the Bangladesh and Saudi delegations respectively at the high-level meeting that will be held at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Issues related to education, health, environment and climate change, ICT and tourism are also likely to be discussed in the meeting. FM Hasan is scheduled to reach Riyadh early Monday on a two-day official visit, a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told UNB. The foreign minister is scheduled to return home on July 3. Private Industry and Investment Adviser to the Prime Minister Sheikh Salman F Rahman will be part of the delegation as investment issues may come up in a big way. Additional Foreign Secretary (bilateral East and West)  Md Nazrul Islam, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mohammad Javed Patwary, Director General of West Asia Wing Shafiqur Rahman and Director Nafisa Monsur will accompany the foreign minister as part of Bangladesh delegation members. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, who is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is likely to pay an official visit to Bangladesh later this year. This would be a landmark event in the history of bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia leading to the consolidation of ties, especially in trade and commerce, investment and economic cooperation, according to official on both sides. The Saudi crown prince has accepted the invitation extended by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to visit the country this year, and both sides may discuss the issue further for finalization of details, a Bangladesh official told UNB speaking on condition of anonymity. PM’s upcoming China visit a reflection of maintaining balanced diplomacy: Foreign Minister It would be the first ever visit of any Saudi crown prince to Bangladesh after 1985 when the then Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz visited Dhaka. A good number of bilateral instruments -- MoUs and agreements – are likely to be signed during the visit of the Saudi leader, which would strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries significantly, both sides hope. The first ever political consultations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia were held on March 16, 2022 in Dhaka. At the meeting, both the leaders reaffirmed the bond of enduring ties and friendship existing between the two brotherly countries and expressed satisfaction over the state of bilateral cooperation. They noted the understanding and goodwill existing at the political level between the two countries and emphasised the need for devising means and ways to translate this into concrete outcomes. Both sides further stressed the need to coordinate and work together at functional levels to carry forward the policy decision for mutual benefit of the peoples of the two countries.  Several Saudi companies have already invested in some sectors in Bangladesh and some other companies are considering greater engagement in various areas. Bangladeshi immigration emerges as UK election issue after Labour leader’s comments spark outrage The envoy said about 2.8 million Bangladeshis working in Saudi Arabia are also making significant contributions to Saudi and Bangladesh economies. In May this year, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) wanted to know the progress of efforts in renewing the passports of the Rohingyas who went to the KSA back in 1973-74 with Bangladeshi passports. Saudi Deputy Interior Minister Dr Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Daoud discussed the issue with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan during a bilateral meeting at that time. Read more: Saudi Crown Prince exchanges greetings with Hasan Mahmud

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said here on Thursday the relations between his country and Saudi Arabia are moving in the right direction and both sides will advance cooperation in various fields. Also read:Iranian Ambassador discusses potential of enhancing bilateral trade with Bangladesh Amir-Abdollahian made the remarks in a joint press conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud after their meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh. The Iranian top diplomat, who is on his first official visit to Saudi Arabia since the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic relations in a China-brokered deal in March, said his meeting with the Saudi minister was "fruitful." Also read:Neymar completes Saudi move to Al Hilal after 6 seasons with Paris Saint-Germain Iran is committed to implementing the agreements reached between the two countries in the security and economic fields, and will set up a technical and executive committee to promote their implementation, he said. Amir-Abdollahian confirmed that the Iranian president will visit Saudi Arabia soon. Read also:Bangladesh to benefit from new SAUDIA fleet expansion He also voiced his support for Saudi Arabia to host the World Expo 2030. While stressing the importance of cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Iran, the Saudi minister said the restoration of diplomatic relations with Iran is the key to maintaining regional security. He said Saudi Arabia will maintain communication and coordination with Iran and promote new progress in bilateral relations on the basis of mutual respect. The Saudi official also welcomed the Iranian president's planned visit to Saudi Arabia.

Bangladesh has reiterated its request to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to explore possible cooperation from the country in meeting Bangladesh’s domestic energy needs. Reflecting on the current political instability in parts of Europe, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday urged Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan to explore possible cooperation from Saudi Arabia and take up the issue of considering crude or refined oil from Aramco (Saudi Arabian Oil Company) on a deferred payment basis. The Saudi envoy assured to take up the proposal with the appropriate authorities in the Kingdom, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also conveyed KSA’s readiness to facilitate Bangladesh’s proposal to set up a fertilizer industry in Saudi Arabia. Also Read: 16,000 MW: Forecast of possible electricity demand during upcoming irrigation season The Ambassador handed over a letter to Momen from Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al- Saud inviting the Foreign Minister to undertake an official visit to Saudi Arabia to review and expedite ongoing mutual collaboration. The Foreign Minister appreciated and accepted the invitation, thanked the Ambassador and said the visit schedule would be fixed through diplomatic channels. During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they exchanged views on issues of mutual interests pertaining to bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Welcoming the Saudi envoy in his office, Foreign Minister Momen commended him for his dynamic role in promoting the bilateral relationship. They discussed and reviewed various bilateral issues and expressed satisfaction at the state of relations flourishing rapidly in many fields including political, economic, trade & investment, security & defense, manpower and other areas. On the prospect of further employment in the Saudi Arabia with reference to Neom city, the Foreign Minister conveyed Bangladesh’s readiness in providing skilled workers and technicians in different trades and also indicated readiness of the Government to assign dedicated university or training institute to train manpower in specialized trades to cater to the needs of Saudi Arabia. Noting progress of the Saudi investment in the renewable energy sector, the Foreign Minister urged the Envoy to explore the possibility of prospective financing in the Eastern Refinery Unit-2 from Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). Reaffirming support to Saudi Arabia in the multilateral fora, Momen recalled Bangladesh’s support to Saudi Arabia in hosting the Expo-2030 in Riyadh. The Saudi Ambassador expressed his gratitude to the Minister for his continuous support and guidance in taking forward the bilateral engagements to new heights and continued support in the multilateral fora.  

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday said Bangladesh needs brotherly support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in meeting its energy needs. He said this while reflecting on the current energy crisis in view of the Russia- Ukraine war when KSA Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan met him at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read: UAE keen to scale up engagements with Bangladesh The Saudi envoy stated that he would take up the issue with the concerned Saudi stakeholders. The Saudi envoy also apprised the Minister about the recent terrorist activities conducted by the Houthis in Arab peninsula despite ceasefire. He appreciated the role of Bangladesh in supporting Saudi Arabia and in denouncing terrorism against the Houthis. Read: Argentina’s foreign minister says will open embassy in Dhaka: Media report During the meeting, the State Minister underlined the need to engage more efforts to scale up bilateral collaboration beyond the traditional labour market and Hajj and Umrah. He stated that Saudi Arabia was playing a more visible role in multilateral fora which is encouraging for the Muslim Ummah.

Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) will sign two important agreements on security cooperation and "Route to Meeca" service on Sunday which would consolidate relations between the two countries. Under Route to Meeca service agreement, Hajis (Pilgrims) would be able to complete their immigration in Dhaka prior to their departure to Saudi Arabia. Bangladesh is the first country with whom Saudi Arabia is going to sign Route to Mecca service agreement considering "excellent relations" between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, said the government. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia will join hands to train police personnel including women police. "I thought this is a new opening. Our women police are doing good. It's (such cooperation) good," he said after his meeting with Saudi Deputy Interor Minister Dr Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Dawood at State guesthouse Padma on Saturday evening.

Only a few years ago, a Halloween party, which was variously viewed as a suspiciously pagan foreign holiday or as sinful, unnecessary and weird, meant arrests in Saudi Arabia. Now, a government-sponsored "horror weekend" means sold-out costume shops and scary clowns. This year, it looked like creatures from a haunted house had escaped and taken over parts of the Saudi capital Riyadh. Monsters, witches, and bank robbers were everywhere, according to The New York Times. Saudi Arabia celebrated the festival of Halloween alongside activities of the Riyadh Season 2022 from October 27 to 29, two days before the Americans' Halloween celebrations. Read: Halloween crowd stampede in Seoul leaves at least 151 dead "The atmosphere at the weekend is terrifying," the head of the General Authority for Entertainment, Advisor to the Saudi Royal Court, Turki Al-Sheikh, wrote on social media. However, the government-sponsored event was not, strictly speaking, a Halloween festival. Instead, it was promoted as a horror weekend, conveniently coinciding with the weekend before Halloween. Some of the revellers seemed to have only a vague idea of what Halloween was, and had come simply to enjoy the atmosphere, reported The New York Times.

Bangladesh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are keen to strengthen economic cooperation through an increased presence in the fields of trade, investment and direct shipping connectivity between Chattogram and Jeddah. Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan met State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam on Monday and discussed ways to further broaden the relations. Tha Ambassador congratulated the government of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successful completion of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge. Also read: Bangladesh gets another 4 mn doses of COVID-19 vaccine from US The State Minister thanked the Ambassador and government of Saudi Arabia for necessary arrangements including pre-immigration facilities for pilgrims at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. The Ambassador briefed the State Minister on further willingness of more Saudi investment in Bangladesh. The State Minister expressed his satisfaction over the excellent relationship that exists between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in bilateral and multilateral sectors. Also read: Dhaka requests London for resettlement of one lakh Rohingyas He thanked the Ambassador for his efforts in promoting the relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia. They also discussed cooperation in the areas of culture, education and tourism.

Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have agreed to elevate their excellent relations to a "comprehensive partnership" following a roadmap to that end. Bangladesh side proposed for a "comprehensive partnership" and proceed to that end following a roadmap which was agreed by the Saudi side.  "Yes, Riyadh has agreed on Dhaka's proposal to have a comprehensive partnership between the two countries," Secretary (East) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mashfee Binte Shams told UNB on Wednesday. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen led an eight-member Bangladesh delegation while the six-member Saudi delegation was led by its Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud  at the first ever "Political Consultations" between the two countries on Wednesday. READ: Dhaka, Riyadh eye stronger political, investment ties; Saudi FM due Tuesday Among the issues that came up for review and discussion were increased bilateral trade and investment, recruit of skilled manpower, Hajj management, education, health, environment and climate change, ICT and tourism, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  The Saudi foreign minister stressed the need to enhance collaboration in trade and investment and stated that some Saudi companies have already invested in some sectors in Bangladesh and some other companies are considering greater engagement in various areas.  He sought policy and institutional support from the Bangladesh side. Bangladesh foreign minister expressed his keenness to scale up the level of engagement from friendship and cooperation and proposed a time-bound roadmap to enhance the relationship.  He identified six new areas of engagement for future collaboration. These are collaboration and partnership with Saudi Green Initiative undertaken by the Saudi Crown Prince; Saudi investment in the Bangabandhu Industrial City [Exclusive Economic Zone] in Chattogram;  investment by leading Saudi companies in development of Tourism and Hotel industry and  in the IT sector, Contract Farming in third countries for agro-production to attain food security and developing Skills Training Programme in Bangladesh at Saudi initiative.  Both the leaders expressed satisfaction at the close alignment of positions in all major global issues regarding stability, security, primacy of state sovereignty and upholding the UN Charter and agreed to continue this collaboration in the future.  The Saudi FM left Dhaka on Wednesday afternoon wrapping up his less than 24-hour visit.

Seven workers, including six Bangladeshis, were killed in a fire that broke out at a sofa factory at Heraj Market adjacent to Al Khalil road of Medina city early Wednesday.

Bangladesh has requested the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to increase flights between the two countries so that the expatriates who got stuck here can return to their workplaces smoothly.