Saudi FM to discuss bilateral, global issues with PM

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Bin Ahmed Al Jubeir today said they want to ‘improve, deepen and strengthen’ the already existing ‘strong and historic’ ties between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in all fields.

“I look forward to my discussion with Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina) to increase and improve consultation, coordination and cooperation between our two countries,” he told reporters at the airport soon after his arrival.

The Saudi Foreign Minister landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 5:55pm by a special flight from New Delhi on a brief official visit to discuss ‘bilateral and global’ issues.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali received his Saudi counterpart at the airport. Saudi Ambassador in Dhaka Abdullah HM Al-Mutairi and senior officials of the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry were present.

Responding to a question, the Saudi Foreign Minister said he looks forward to a very good and fruitful conversation with the Bangladesh Prime Minister. “We’ll discuss every issue of concern between the two countries.”

He mentioned that he had a very productive and fruitful meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart during his visit to Saudi Arabia as well as in Jakarta recently.

During his nearly four-hour visit, the Saudi Minister will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at 6:45pm at her official residence Ganobhaban, said an official.

Arrived at the invitation of Mahmood Ali, the Saudi Foreign Minister will also hold talks with his Bangladesh counterpart.

During the meetings, they will discuss all aspects of bilateral and global issues of mutual interests, said a Foreign Ministry statement in the afternoon.

It was decided during Mahmood Ali’s visit to Saudi Arabia in January that the Bangladesh Prime Minister may undertake a visit to the Kingdom in between March and May this year at a mutually convenient date, it said.

Earlier, Mahmood Ali arrived here right away on Monday night after attending the fifth OIC Extraordinary meeting considering the visit of his Saudi counterpart. The Foreign Minister had a meeting with his Saudi counterpart in Jakarta on Sunday.

The Saudi Foreign Minister will leave Dhaka around 9pm (tonight). Mahmood Ali will see him off at the airport.

The relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia witnessed a new dimension following Bangladesh’s participation in Saudi-led alliance (govt described it as centre) to combat terrorism.

Meanwhile, a large number of Heads of State and government have also been invited to witness the ongoing military exercise 'North Thunder' and its closing ceremony in Saudi Arabia on 9-11.

However, it was not confirmed whether Bangladesh is also invited to attend the ceremony.