Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh, Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah, met with Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today at his office in the capital. Photo: MoFA

DHAKA, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman today underscored significant potential to expand Bangladesh–Saudi Arabia cooperation in trade, investment, energy and other priority sectors, leveraging the geostrategic positions of the two countries.

The remarks came as Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah paid a courtesy call on the foreign minister at his office here, said foreign ministry’s press release here. 

Welcoming the envoy, Dr Rahman described Saudi Arabia as a trusted and longstanding partner of Bangladesh. 

He recalled that diplomatic relations between the two countries began during the presidency of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman with the establishment of the Bangladesh Embassy in the Kingdom in 1976, followed by President Zia’s historic visit to Saudi Arabia in 1977. 

Both sides acknowledged his contribution to promoting Muslim unity.

The foreign minister expressed appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East and across the Muslim Ummah. 

He also conveyed gratitude for hosting a large number of Bangladeshi workers in the Kingdom and highlighted opportunities for further collaboration in priority sectors.

Recalling Saudi Arabia’s support in facilitating the repatriation of around 200,000 Rohingyas in 1979 at the request of President Ziaur Rahman, Dr Rahman appreciated the Kingdom’s continued humanitarian assistance for 1.2 million Rohingyas currently sheltered in Bangladesh and sought Riyadh’s support for their sustainable repatriation to Myanmar.

The Saudi ambassador conveyed greetings from his government and expressed his commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations. He voiced support for the present government and said he intends to work towards elevating ties to a comprehensive partnership.

The envoy mentioned that in 2025 Saudi Arabia issued 750,000 work visas and a total of 1.4 million visas for Bangladeshi citizens, noting scope for skilled and semi-skilled workers amid ongoing development projects in the Kingdom.

Earlier in the day, the Saudi ambassador also called on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Shama Obaed Islam to greet her on her appointment. 

The state minister appreciated the reform initiatives led by the Saudi Crown Prince under Saudi Vision 2030. 
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations for mutual benefit.