Iftekhar talks workers' issue with Saudi minister

Foreign Affairs Adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury held a meeting with Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Nizar Obeid Madani on Tuesday on the sidelines of the OIC foreign ministers conference and discussed Bangladeshi workers issue as well as Saudi investment in Bangladesh..
The foreign adviser conveyed the gratitude for the "very large quantum of assistance" that Saudi Arabia had extended to Bangladesh in the post-flood and Sidr period.
Iftekhar expressed appreciation to the Saudi authorities for hosting such a large number of expatriate Bangladeshis in that country. “"The Bangladeshis see the Saudis as great friends and are extremely pleased to be able to contribute thus to the growth and development of the Saudi economy", he said.
The adviser mentioned some recent reported issues and both agreed that these could be addressed amicably through continued discussions.
The Saudi state minister thanked Iftekhar for the support he gave Saudi Arabia in the past at the United Nations.
They discussed a possible visit to Bangladesh by a high-level Saudi delegation in April in connection with the Joint Commission Meeting, headed by the deputy minister of labour. Dr. Nizer Obeid Madani also spoke about welcoming Iftekhar to Saudi Arabia shortly for further talks at a convenient time.
They spoke of possible investments by Saudi Arabia in infrastructural development projects in Bangladesh and of assisting young Bangladeshis to develop their knowledge-based skills.
The Saudi minister was assisted in the talks by Prince Turki Bin Mohammed bin Saud el Kabir, deputy minister of foreign affairs, and Ambassador Jamil Mirdad, head of Islamic Affairs Division in the Saudi foreign ministry.
On the Bangladesh side, Ikramul Haque, envoy in Riyadh, and Mosud Mannan, director general, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were also present.