Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed A. Elkhereiji has invited Bangladesh Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman to visit the kingdom, highlighting investment opportunities under Vision 2030 framework.

Invitation was extended on Friday (February 27) during a meeting with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) Executive Committee meeting on Palestine in Jeddah. Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister also invited Dr Khalilur Rahman to visit Riyadh.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman said that both countries will take joint initiatives to strengthen relations within OIC framework and bilateral ties. Meeting discussed Saudi investment and cooperation opportunities for Bangladesh across various sectors.

Foreign Affairs Adviser to Prime Minister Humayun Kabir, Foreign Secretary Molla Farhad Hossain, and Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to OIC M. J. H. Jabed attended the meeting.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents kingdom's comprehensive development programme aiming to diversify economy beyond oil dependence. Framework seeks to attract foreign investment in sectors including tourism, technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

Bangladesh has substantial economic interests in Saudi Arabia, with over 27 lakh Bangladeshi workers employed in the kingdom. Remittance flow from Saudi Arabia constitutes significant portion of Bangladesh's foreign exchange earnings.

Invitation signals strengthening diplomatic ties between two Muslim-majority nations. Saudi investment could boost Bangladesh's infrastructure development, energy sector, and economic diversification efforts.

Meeting took place amid broader discussions on Palestine situation within OIC framework. Both countries share common position on supporting Palestinian rights and humanitarian concerns.

Details of potential investment areas and specific cooperation mechanisms under Vision 2030 were not immediately disclosed. Official visit dates for Prime Minister and Foreign Minister remain to be announced.