Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has called for broadening cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, placing particular emphasis on the energy sector as a key area for future collaboration.
He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Zafer bin Abiyah at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Monday.
Describing Saudi Arabia as a close and trusted partner, the minister said the relationship should move beyond manpower export to include sectors like energy and tourism, where significant opportunities remain untapped.
During the discussions, both sides explored a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in law enforcement and security, tourism development, and ways to boost Saudi investment in Bangladesh’s energy sector.
The minister encouraged stakeholders from both countries to actively seek new areas of partnership and investment.
Salahuddin also mentioned that Bangladesh has already dispatched a special team to expedite relevant processes tied to these initiatives. At the same time, he issued a firm warning that any form of corruption or irregularity in passport services would not be tolerated under his watch.
Ambassador Abiyah congratulated the minister on assuming office and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening ties with Bangladesh. He extended an invitation for the home minister to visit Saudi Arabia with a high-level delegation.
Responding positively, the minister indicated that such a visit could take place in the first half of July.
Senior officials from the Home Ministry were also present at the meeting.
