The government sought larger Saudi investment in Bangladesh, particularly in the special economic zones and offered land there to Saudi investors.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday sought the investment when Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Bangladesh Mohammed Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan called on her at her Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban office.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters, reports UNB.
Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh welcomes Saudi Arabia’s investors and they can choose lands in the special economic zones for mutual benefits.
Stressing the need for unity among the Islamic countries, she said countries should not invite others to interfere; rather all the problems should be resolved through dialogue between two countries.
The prime minister said that Saudi Arabia has a special place in the hearts of the people of Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina assured the Saudi envoy of giving Bangladesh’s support to Saudi Arabia’s candidature for the International Expo-2030 following the request of the ambassador to support his country.
Mohammed Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan hoped that the bilateral ties between the two countries would reach a new height in the days ahead.
He said that over the years, the cooperation between Dhaka and Riyadh has been consolidated in trade, commerce, education, culture, and defense sectors.
The envoy said that many Saudi companies are now keen to make investments in Bangladesh's energy sector, particularly in renewable energy.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hasina conveyed her greetings to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and appreciated the custodian of the two holy mosques for his contribution to the Muslim Ummah.
The Press Secretary said on behalf of the king, the Saudi ambassador handed over a part of Ghilaf (Kiswah) weighing 10 kilograms made of gold and silver with inscribing verses from the Holy Quran.
The Saudi King presented such kind of Ghilaf to any head of the government of Bangladesh for the first time, the press secretary added.
PM’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus was present during the meeting.
Meanwhile, visiting UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy Rushanara Ali also called on the prime minister at her Jatiya Sangsad Office.
During the meeting, the envoy apprised the prime minister of her meetings with officials, business leaders, and others concerned with the promotion of trade and commerce.
Rushanara Ali expressed UK’s keenness to further strengthen cooperation in the education sector and said the UK wants to work in a joint venture to this end.
They also discussed issues related to bilateral concerns as well as the development of Bangladesh’s railway sector.
PM’s principal secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus and British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson were present during the meeting.