Amir's visit affirms shared keenness to develop historical relations: Bangladesh envoy

Bangladesh ambassador to Qatar Mohamed Nazrul Islam affirmed that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Bangladesh is very significant and emphasises the mutual keenness to develop the existing historical relations to higher levels, serving the people of the two friendly countries.In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), he said Bangladesh and Qatar have been maintaining exemplary bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974. He added that the relations have been strengthened further due to the commonness between the two countries, regular bilateral visits, increase of manpower export, and common position on regional and international issues.He pointed out that the visit of His Highness the Amir to Dhaka comes nearly 20 years after the visit of His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani in 2005. It also coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.He added that the visit of His Highness the Amir represents an opportunity to sign a number of agreements and memoranda of understanding, and to hold in-depth discussions on various areas of bilateral co-operation, in addition to exchanging views on the most prominent regional and international issues, including the Palestinian cause, as well as some other international crises.Ambassador Mohamed Nazrul Islam stressed the significance of the two visits of Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina Wazed in 2023, saying that the two visits indicate the extent of mutual respect.He noted the partnership between the two countries in the field of energy and the relations in the field of labour, and its continued employment of more Bangladeshi workers. He emphasised that all these factors show the extent of the two sides' keenness to develop existing relations to the highest levels.Bangladesh ambassador to Qatar addressed the trade co-operation between the two countries and future opportunities to develop trade exchanges and further expand Bangladesh's exports to Qatar, especially non-traditional products.Regarding investment, he said that his country has one of the most open investment regimes in the region, which allows Qatari investors to benefit from the best investment opportunities available in a large number of promising sectors. He stressed that Bangladesh may allocate an exclusive economic zone for Qatari investors.Bangladesh ambassador also pointed out Qatar can further extend their engagement in the energy sector by investing in the storage and distribution of LNG. Qatar can also invest in the infrastructure and real estate sector.He pointed out that a huge number of Bangladeshi businesspersons have already invested in different businesses in Qatar, and want to expand more in the future. He noted that one important sector of Bangladeshi investment in Qatar could be agriculture, which promotes mutual investment. He expected that the coming period would witness the revitalisation of tourism and the exchange of cultural delegations to enjoy the cultural treasures of the two countries on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between them while achieving more co-operation at the trade and investment levels.Meanwhile, Minister of State for Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment in Bangladesh Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury stressed that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to Bangladesh marks a significant milestone in the dynamic relations between the two friendly countries.Commenting on the visit of His Highness the Amir to Bangladesh, he told Qatar News Agency (QNA), that "It indeed marks a significant milestone in the dynamic relations between the two friendly countries," adding that it will pave the way for further and enhanced cooperation in various fields, particularly providing a strong impetus for further collaboration in in the area of labor and employment.He indicated that co-operation with regards to employment has experienced a qualitative leap in the last few years, with the Bangladeshi community becoming one of Qatar's largest communities, playing a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties.He added that, "Through their hard work, dedication, and active participation in various sectors, Bangladeshi workers contribute significantly to Qatar's development. Their presence fosters cultural exchange and understanding, leading to new avenues for co-operation and partnership." Shofiqur Rahman Choudhury said, "The Bangladeshi community in Qatar, and the wider GCC region, makes a substantial contribution to the economy of Bangladesh. Their remittances play a vital role in boosting Bangladesh's economy and improving the livelihoods of their families back home." He said that for the last two financial years, Qatar is the eighth highest country for remittances to Bangladesh."Over the past three decades, the Bangladeshi community has integrated seamlessly into Qatari and Arab society, leaving positive impressions through their hard work in development, active cultural exchange, and contributions to various sectors," he pointed out, stressing that, "their respect for local customs and traditions, coupled with their skills and expertise, have earned them admiration and respect within the community.