The newly appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr. Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah, paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday.
During the meeting, the both sides expressed strong interest in further strengthening the long-standing ties between the two nations.
Welcoming the envoy to Dhaka, Professor Yunus congratulated Dr. Abiyah on the beginning of his diplomatic mission and expressed confidence that Bangladesh-Saudi relations would reach new heights under his tenure.
Highlighting the deep-rooted bond between the two countries, the Chief Adviser emphasized opportunities for expanded cooperation in investment, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and education, particularly Arabic language learning.
“Saudi Arabia can consider establishing production hubs in Bangladesh, taking advantage of our geostrategic location, young workforce, and available resources,” he said.
In response, Ambassador Abiyah reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s strong partnership with Bangladesh and outlined ongoing investment projects. He cited the Red Sea Gateway Terminal’s involvement in the Patenga Container Terminal and the Matarbari Deep Sea Port as key examples of Saudi commitment to Bangladesh’s infrastructure development.
The ambassador also noted Saudi Arabia’s recent contribution of USD 20 million for the construction of an Arabic Language Institute and eight mosques in major cities across the country.
Dr. Abiyah handed over a formal invitation from the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister to Professor Yunus to attend the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum, scheduled for October in Riyadh.
The Chief Adviser welcomed the invitation and conveyed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for accepting Bangladesh’s invitation to visit Dhaka at a mutually convenient date to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
To commemorate the meeting, Professor Yunus presented the ambassador with a curated collection of graffiti from the July 2024 movement, symbolizing Bangladesh’s recent political transformation.
Lamiya Morshed, Senior Secretary for SDG Affairs, was also present at the meeting.
