PM likely to visit KSA this year
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit Saudi Arabia between March and May this year during which a number of bilateral instruments can be signed between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali put forward the proposal during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir on Wednesday in Riyadh, which was welcomed by the Saudi side, a foreign ministry press release said yesterday.
Both the Ministers agreed to work on a number of instruments for cooperation on investment, culture and education, agriculture etc. ahead of the visit so that those could be signed during the visit. They also agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) between the two countries during the upcoming visit of the prime minister.
The Saudi foreign minister lauded the role of Bangladeshi community in his country which is contributing to economic development of both the nations.
He also agreed to have further cooperation in recruiting more skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh including doctors and nurses.
In this regard, both foreign ministers agreed that a delegation from Saudi Health Ministry may undertake a visit to Bangladesh to inspect the medical degrees and other facilities for future recruitment of Bangladeshi health professionals.
While reviewing the whole gamut of bilateral relations between the two countries as well as exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest including mutual cooperation at the UN and other international fora including the OIC, they expressed firm resolve of Dhaka and Riyadh to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and extremism through meaningful cooperation.
Referring to the recently held joint commission meeting between the two countries and the decisions taken there, the foreign minister briefed about recent developments in Bangladesh as well as described pool of quality workers and world class export items such as RMG and pharmaceutical products for their possible export to the Kingdom.
The Saudi foreign minister was of the opinion that Saudi businessmen can explore further opportunities in trade and investment in Bangladesh and they can visit Bangladesh to see the facilities of the pharmaceutical industry.
