Diplomatic Correspondent:
Bangladesh is keen to strengthen bilateral engagement with Bahrain in a number of key areas including enhancing political and economic relations.
The issues came up in the bilateral talks when Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain engaged in a meeting with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani on the sidelines of the 21st Manama Dialogue in Bahrain.
During the talks Touhid Hossain, highlighted Bangladesh’s interest in further enhancing political and economic relations with Bahrain in the days to come, Foreign Ministry said in a press release.
He proposed holding the second round of Political Consultations in Dhaka in 2025 and invited the Bahraini Foreign Minister to lead his country’s delegation. The Adviser also praised Bahrain’s leadership in fostering peace and harmony in the Middle East.
During a separate meeting with Bahrain’s Deputy Interior Minister Adel bin Khalifa Al Fadhel, the Foreign Adviser called for the reopening of visa facilities for Bangladeshi citizens – including businesspeople, professionals, and workers – to boost economic engagement and people-to-people ties.
He also urged the Bahraini authorities to resume family visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals residing in the Kingdom.
Al Fadhel acknowledged the contribution of Bangladeshi workers to Bahrain’s economy and informed that his government is working towards reopening visa services in phases.
Both sides also discussed the possibility of signing an agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons between the two countries.
In another meeting with Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi, Hossain reaffirmed Bangladesh’s solidarity with Qatar against any threat to its security and sovereignty.
The two sides exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues, with Qatar reiterating its support for resolving the Rohingya crisis.
The Foreign Adviser also met with the Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to explore ways for the organisation to play a stronger role in addressing regional political challenges and fostering cooperation across Asia.
Touhid Hossain is attending the 21st Manama Dialogue, which brings together global leaders and policymakers to discuss pressing regional and international security issues.
During his sideline meetings, he underscored Dhaka’s commitment to deepening cooperation and regional stability.
