Second Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Muqrin bin Abdul Aziz on Saturday assured of conveying the request to the King for the time extension for iqama transfer of Bangladeshi workers there for his kind consideration.
The assurance came when Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni met the Saudi Deputy Prime Minister in his office in Riyadh.
The Foreign Minister requested the Deputy Prime Minister to extend the period of amnesty and regularisation process for Bangladesh workforce which is to expire on July 3, according to a message received here on Saturday night.
Dipu Moni is now on a visit to Saudi Arabia after a bilateral visit to Kuwait on June 18 June.
Prince Muqrin termed relations between the two countries a time-tested and excellent one, which is deep-rooted in the history, common faith, culture and traditions.
Foreign Minister Dipu Moni appreciated the support extended by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and his government towards Bangladesh over the years, particularly in the hours of crises.
She also appreciated the recent announcement of amnesty and regularisation of employment status for those who were affected by NITAQAT programme by the government of Saudi Arabia.
The Bangladesh Foreign Minister conveyed the greetings and regards of President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
They agreed to work closely at UN, OIC and other international organisations. They also agreed to enhance bilateral relations in the areas of investment cooperation, trade, education and agriculture.
Enhancing bilateral trade between the two countries was also discussed; particularly export of quality pharmaceutical products, readymade garments (RMG) and ceramics from Bangladesh to Saudi Arabia was highlighted by Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.
Dipu Moni sought the support of Saudi Arabia for a preferential trading agreement with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which would allow export of Bangladesh products to all Gulf nations with concessional tariff.
Agreeing to support this proposal, the Saudi Deputy Prime Minister underlined the need for regular and increased interaction between businessmen of both the countries to enhance trade and investment.
He also underscored achieving trade balance between the two countries which is currently in fabour of the KSA. The Saudi Deputy Prime Minister hoped to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time in response to the invitation of Bangladesh Foreign Minister.
The Foreign Minister mentioned about the recent visit of a Saudi manpower delegation who learned about migration process in Bangladesh under which the government has introduced three-tier screening process, training of the workforce, issuance of MRP and reduction of migration cost.
Earlier on Friday evening, the Foreign Minister exchanged views with Bangladesh nationals on the ongoing regularisation process of foreign workers in the Kingdom at a programme organised by the Embassy.
