The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

The newly appointed Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Bin Naser Al Busairi paid a courtesy call to Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed at the latter's office here on yesterday afternoon.

During the meeting, they discussed matters relating to bilateral issues of mutual interests, including the expansion of trade and business between the two friendly countries, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim told journalists.

Fahim said the Saudi envoy appreciated the role of Bangladeshi workers in his country, saying they were peace loving and law-abiding people. These people, he said, have been contributing to the development of both countries.

Welcoming the Ambassador at his office, Dr. Fakhruddin expressed the hope that the existing relations between the two Muslim brotherly countries would be further geared up in the days ahead, especially during the tenure of Dr. Naser in Bangladesh.

The Chief Adviser said trade and business should be further expanded for the benefit of the two countries. He said Saudi Arabia could import world-class Bangladesh pharmaceuticals and garments.

The entrepreneurs of Saudi Arabia, he said, can also invest more in Bangladesh for higher return, taking the advantage of a favourable investment atmosphere here.

Extending invitation to the King of Saudi Arabia to visit Bangladesh, Dr Fakhruddin said the high level visit can help increase people to people contact between the two countries.

The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia for employing and hosting 1.7 million Bangladeshi workers and said Bangladesh was ready to send more workers to the middle-eastern country.

The Saudi envoy in this connection said his embassy grants 1,000 visas everyday in Dhaka.

In this connection, he said, the Caretaker Government has been providing training and pre-departure briefing to Bangladesh migrants on local laws before they leave for Saudi Arabia .

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed said apart from the unskilled, many skilled Bangladeshi workers like doctors and engineers were also working in Saudi Arabia with dignity and handsome salaries.

Appreciating the role of King Abdullah, the custodian of two holy mosques for spearheading interfaith dialogue in Spain, the Chief Adviser said the meet would contribute towards building a tolerant and peaceful world at its critical juncture of time.

The Chief Adviser also expressed gratitude to the government of Saudi Arabia for its donation to Bangladesh's Sidr and flood victims. He said Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh have been contributing together to the world's peace and stability.

Referring to Saudi assistance for the cyclone victims, the Saudi envoy informed the Chief Adviser that as part of the commitment, his country would send materials during the holy month of Ramadan to construct 10,000 houses for the cyclone affected people.

Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office Kazi M Aminul Islam and Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim were present on the occasion.