Algerian Envoy to Bangladesh Abdelouahab Saidani met with Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain at his office at Secretariat today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 19, 2025 (BSS) - Algerian Envoy to Bangladesh Abdelouahab Saidani today met Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hussain at his office at Secretariat here.

During the meeting, they agreed on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two countries to expand the area of mutual cooperation in the development of the ship industry. 

Sakhawat Hussain, also Labour and Employment Adviser, said that Algeria is one of the close friendly countries of Bangladesh. “Bangladesh has a long relationship with Algeria. We are ready to make the relationship closer,” he added.

The envoy said the Algerian government wants to establish a fruitful relationship with Bangladesh. “Bangladesh has achieved significant success in the shipping industry. Algeria is interested in importing international quality ships and other vessels built in Bangladesh.”

Saidani proposed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangladesh for development in the Maritime Sector.

The shipping adviser welcomed the ambassador's proposal, saying international standard ships are being built at the public and private levels of Bangladesh and the ships built in Bangladesh are being exported abroad. 

Under the government sponsorship, he said, the ships, built on Khulna Shipyard, have earned reputation at the international level. Marine Academy is playing an important role in creating skilled manpower for the sector, he added. 

He urged the ambassador to visit Chattogram, Mongla and other ports and Shipyard/Dockyards and Marine Academy of Bangladesh. 

Sakhawat urged the Algeria government to invest in the Maritime Sector, including the fast-moving ship building industry in Bangladesh. 

The ambassador assured the adviser that the Algerian government has already started work on the issue. 

The envoy invited the adviser to visit Algeria and thanked him for the celebration of May Day with utmost dignity. 

The shipping adviser sought Algeria's support for Bangladesh's candidature for the Category-C election of the International Shipping Agency (IMO) Council for the 2026-2027 term to be held in London in December 2025. 

The Algerian ambassador reiterated its government's continued support and cooperation to Bangladesh. 

Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs BM Jamal Hossain and senior officials of the Ministry of Shipping were present at the event.