Bangladesh, Algeria seek to deepen energy and economic cooperation
Bangladesh and Algeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with energy cooperation, trade, investment and industrial development emerging as key areas of partnership.
The commitment was reiterated at a reception marking the 72nd anniversary of Algeria’s Liberation Revolution at Le Méridien Dhaka on Sunday evening, attended by Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab Saidani highlighted the historical friendship between the two countries and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation across several sectors, including oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, healthcare and shipbuilding.
He recalled that Algeria was the first Arab country to officially recognise Bangladesh’s independence in December 1971, describing the longstanding relationship as a foundation for deeper bilateral engagement.
The ambassador particularly highlighted the recent visit of a high-level Bangladeshi ministerial delegation to Algeria from October 20 to 22, describing it as an important milestone in advancing economic and strategic cooperation.
A major outcome of the visit was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation between the two countries, which both sides see as an important step towards expanding their partnership.
Speaking at the reception, Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood described the agreement as a historic milestone in Bangladesh-Algeria relations and expressed appreciation to the Algerian government for its hospitality and support during the delegation’s visit.
He underscored Algeria’s extensive experience in the oil, gas and mining industries, saying Bangladesh was interested in exploring cooperation in energy technology, technology transfer and capacity building.
The minister also encouraged Algerian investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh, particularly in textiles, industrial goods, food processing, ceramics and light engineering.
He said Bangladeshi entrepreneurs could also benefit from exploring business and investment opportunities in Algeria, citing its strategic geographical position and economic potential.
In his address, Ambassador Saidani outlined Algeria’s efforts to transform and diversify its economy under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
He said the country was pursuing economic diversification through the expansion of non-hydrocarbon exports, infrastructure development, mining, agriculture, housing and foreign investment.
The ambassador also reiterated that Algeria’s foreign policy was guided by the principles of freedom, self-determination, sovereignty, dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts. He reaffirmed his country’s support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian and Western Saharan peoples.
The reception also marked the historical significance of the Algerian Revolution, which began on November 1, 1954, against French colonial rule that lasted 132 years.
Referring to this year’s commemorative theme, ‘November 1: Country’s Memory and Ummah’s Future’, Ambassador Saidani paid tribute to the heroes and martyrs of the liberation struggle, describing the revolution as a defining moment that inspired national liberation movements across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
The event was hosted by Ambassador Saidani and his wife, Meriem Saidani, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors and high commissioners, senior government officials, representatives of international organisations, journalists and members of the Algerian community.
The celebration highlighted the shared historical experiences of Algeria and Bangladesh in their respective struggles for independence and the potential to translate their political solidarity into stronger economic engagement.
Both sides expressed their determination to build on the longstanding friendship and pursue practical cooperation in energy, trade, investment, pharmaceuticals and industrial development.
The ambassador concluded his remarks with a call for continued friendship between the two countries, saying, “Long live Algeria! Long live Bangladesh! Long live Algeria-Bangladesh friendship!”
