Dhaka to sign defence deal with Riyadh Feb 14

Bangladesh will sign a defence deal with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on February 14, report agencies.

The deal is aiming to enhance military cooperation between the two countries.

Under the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia deal, 1,800 Bangladeshi troops will be deployed in Saudi Arabia.

Chief of Bangladesh Army General Aziz Ahmed made the announcement while visiting the newly-constructed building of Bangladesh Mission in Riyadh on Sunday, said the Bangladesh Embassy in the Saudi capital on Monday.

"Under the deal, Bangladeshi troops will be defusing mines along the borders of war-torn Yemen", Bangladesh's embassay in Riyadh said.

He also held a meeting with Saudi chief of joint forces Gen Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili on the same day and discussed various issues of mutual interest.

General Aziz also called on Assistant Minister for Defence Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Ayash.

Gen Aziz said Bangladesh named four military officials, including a brigadier general, for joining Saudi's Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC).

Bangladesh Army's cooperation for the Saudi coalition will continue, he said.

The Army chief said an agreement is kept ready on removal of mines from the war-torn areas along Saudi-Yemen borders.

Some 1,800 Bangladeshi troops will be deployed to remove mines once the deal is signed, said the Embassy adding that this deal would take the military cooperation between the two countries to a new height.

The Army chief said they discussed the issue of engaging Engineering core members of the Bangladesh Army in building various civil and military infrastructure and development works.

The Bangladesh side also proposed engaging experienced doctors of Bangladesh Army in Saudi Arabia's military sector.

The Army chief expressed the hope that the doctors would be able to avail of higher training at various hospitals in Saudi Arabia apart from their routine works.

Gen Aziz said there is an excellent relationship between Bangladesh and Saudi and hoped that the ties in the defence sector will be strengthened in the future.

Earlier, Bangladesh Ambassador in the KSA Golam Moshi welcomed the Army chief and his delegation members.