Dhaka, Riyadh for boosting military ties
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have underscored the need for further strengthening the military cooperation for mutual benefits of the two countries.
The views came when visiting Saudi Deputy Minister of Defence Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al-Aish paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Gono Bhaban in the capital yesterday.
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said various aspects of cooperation in different sectors including defence came up for discussion.
"We want to go ahead further for bolstering military cooperation, and there could be high-level visits of defence personnel between the two brotherly countries,” the Saudi deputy minister of defence said.
The premier reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to ensure protection of the two holy mosques of Saudi Arabia.
The premier said the government is actively considering the Saudi request for participation in the development of Saudi defence infrastructures like mine sweeping, construction of military barracks, airfields and bunkers.
When the Saudi deputy minister said his country wants to protect its border, the prime minister said there is an international standard academy of Border Guard Bangladesh through which the Saudi border guards could be provided training.
Hasina said Bangladesh has enough experts in construction of such roads and Saudi Arabia could utilise them in building such roads and other infrastructure.
Sheikh Hasina conveyed her greetings to Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz through the Saudi deputy minister.
Prime Minister's International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary Md Abul Kalam Azad and Military Secretary Maj Gen Mia Mohammad Zainul Abedin, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen Mahfuzur Rahman, Bangladesh Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Golam Masih and Saudi Ambassador in Dhaka Abdullah HM Al Mutairi were present.
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