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Dhaka     Friday   31 January 2025

Saudi envoy receives ‘Bangladesh Medal for Diplomatic Excellence’

Diplomatic Correspondent || risingbd.com

Published: 16:01, 28 January 2025  
Saudi envoy receives ‘Bangladesh Medal for Diplomatic Excellence’

Dhaka conferred this year’s “Bangladesh Medal for Diplomatic Excellence” on Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan.

He was given the award for his profound and enduring contributions toward elevating Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship to unprecedented heights.

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain handed over the award to Saudi ambassador at the conferment ceremony at the Foreign Service academy on Tuesday (January 28).

“During the tenure of His Excellency Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relationship has flourished in unprecedented ways,” said Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain.

He said that the visionary leadership of ambassador Essa had fostered collaboration across a spectrum of sectors, with Saudi Arabia emerging as one of Bangladesh’s key bilateral partners in trade, investment, and energy security.

“His Excellency’s dynamism and commitment to expanding and consolidating our multifaceted ties have been nothing short of exemplary,” he said.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the foreign adviser said, Essa demonstrated unparalleled dedication by safeguarding the welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia and ensuring the continuity of employment for Bangladeshi workers.

Throughout Bangladesh’s diplomatic history, he said Saudi Arabia has remained a steadfast friend and trusted ally while this year marks the 50th anniversary of the inception of diplomatic engagement between the two nations.

He said over three million Bangladeshi expatriates, working in Saudi Arabia, are playing a vital role in the oil-rich nation’s economy while contributing to Bangladesh’s development through remittances.

In his remark, the Saudi ambassador said throughout his five years of service in Dhaka, he has worked tirelessly dedicated himself to elevating Saudi-Bangladesh relations to new horizons.

The envoy expressed his gratefulness to the foreign ministry and Bangladesh leadership to nominate him for the award and said visionary guidance and unwavering support of the Bangladesh leadership have played a pivotal role in fostering the close bond between the two brotherly Muslim counties.

“This prestigious recognition is a tremendous privilege, and I sincerely thank the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for this incredible honor. This award symbolizes the strong bond between our two countries, and I am proud to have been part of this journey,” he shared with heartfelt emotion.

Over the past five years, the ambassador said Saudi-Bangladesh bilateral relations have reached new heights, marked by several significant developments including Over 50 high-level visits between dignitaries from both countries.

“We successfully implemented digital applications for Hajj and Umrah, including the Nusuk and Makkah Route Initiatives, which will be implemented again this year to streamline the pilgrimage process for Bangladeshi citizens,” he said.

Over the past three years, the ambassador said the Saudi Embassy has issued more than 2.2 million workers’ visas, facilitating opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia.

Dhaka/Hasan/AI