Defence officials discuss MoU with KSA

Top defence officials of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia discussed the prospect of signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for increasing military cooperation between the two countries.

The issue came up when Bangladesh Chief of Army Staff General Abu Belal Muhammad Shafiul Huq had a meeting with Saudi Assistant Defence Minister Mohammad bin Abdullah Al-Aysh in Riyadh.

The Bangladesh army chief also met with the Saudi new military Chief of Staff General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwayli and Royal Saudi Land Force Commander Lt Gen Fahad Bin Abdullah.

General Belal was also awarded the prestigious “King Abdul Aziz Medal of Excellence” for his contribution to the promotion of military ties between the two armed forces.

According to a press release of Bangladesh Embassy in Riyadh, the Bangladesh army chief discussed the creation of working opportunities of skilled members of the Bangladesh Army in different sectors of Saudi Army.

In response, the Saudi assistant defence minister requested for cooperation in building Saudi military infrastructure.

During the meeting, both sides discussed cooperation for military training and joint exercise between the two armies.

General Belal offered to provide Bangladeshi doctors and hospital assistants in Saudi military hospitals as well as setting up of military hospital units in the Kingdom.

Bangladesh Ambassador in Riyadh Golam Moshi and Defence attaché Brigadier General Shah Alam Chowdhury were present at the meeting.

The Bangladesh army chief also visited the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Centre in Riyadh. Bangladesh is the founder member of the 41-nation alliance.