Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for an official visit to Saudi Arabia, marking another step toward strengthening bilateral relations.
The invitation was conveyed Monday when Saudi Ambassador in Bangladesh Abdullah Jafar H. Bin Abiyah paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at the Secretariat and handed him invitation letter from the Crown Prince.
The development was announced later at an emergency press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Prime Minister's Foreign Affairs Adviser, Humayun Kabir.
"His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has invited Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to visit Saudi Arabia," Humayun Kabir told reporters.
The adviser also says the Saudi ambassador informed the Prime Minister that the Crown Prince is interested to visit Bangladesh and would undertake the trip "at a mutually convenient time".
Describing Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia ties as historically strong, Humayun Kabir says the government is committed to elevating the relationship to a strategic partnership through expanded cooperation across multiple sectors.
"Historically, Bangladesh has enjoyed excellent relations with Saudi Arabia. We want to further strengthen those ties and elevate them to the level of a strategic partnership through positive cooperation. This will take bilateral relations to a new height."
According to the adviser, the Saudi Crown Prince's invitation to the Bangladeshi Prime Minister and his own interest in visiting Bangladesh reflect growing importance and depth of relations between the two friendly nations.
Responding to a question about the timing of the Prime Minister's visit, Humayun Kabir said the invitation has been accepted, although the dates have yet to be finalized.
"The invitation has been accepted by the Prime Minister. The dates will be determined through mutual consultations," he says, adding that the visit is likely to take place after the end of the summer season.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com