Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nizar Bin Obaid Madani has said Saudi Arabia is keen to expand relations with Bangladesh and appreciated the country’s role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
During a meeting with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dipu Moni in Jeddah on Wednesday afternoon, Madani also promised to convey a request for the extension of the grace period to the highest authorities.
The Bangladeshi foreign minister arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a five-day visit.
The two ministers described Saudi-Bangladesh relations as a special one, which is deep-rooted in history, common faith and traditions.
Moni expressed appreciation for the support extended by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and his government to Bangladesh over the years, particularly in times of crises. She also appreciated the recent announcement of the grace period for correcting employment status of illegal foreign workers.
The two countries agreed to work closely at the United Nations, OIC and other international organizations, Moni said after the meeting. They also agreed to enhance bilateral relations in the areas of investment cooperation, trade, education and agriculture. The Bangladeshi minister requested early signing of an investment cooperation agreement between the two countries to pave the way for greater investment opportunities.
Moni referred to the recent visit of a Saudi manpower delegation to Dhaka and hoped that with its positive report the Saudi government will decide to increase recruitment from Bangladesh.
She apprised Madani about the migration process in Bangladesh where the government has introduced a three-tier screening process, issuance of MRPs and reduction of migration costs.
The Saudi minister accepted an invitation to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.
Earlier in the day, Moni visited the Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah and saw the services provided to the nationals. She exchanged views with Bangladeshi nationals who came there for consular services.
Moni will also visit Dammam and Riyadh to see the work of the Bangladeshi missions to facilitate the iqama transfer of Bangladeshi nationals and to exchange views with community members.
Source: Saudigazette