Dhaka-Riyadh Ties Continue to Grow Across Numerous Fields

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer Bin Abiyah has reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for its longstanding and close relations with Bangladesh, saying bilateral ties continue to expand across a range of fields.

“The bonds between our two brotherly countries are founded on mutual respect, friendship and cooperation, and continue to develop across numerous fields for the benefit of both nations and their peoples,” he said in a special message marking Saudi Arabia’s 96th National Day on September 23.

The ambassador hosted a reception at a hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday evening to celebrate the national occasion.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan attended the reception as the chief guest and highlighted various aspects of the growing bilateral relationship.

Opposition Leader in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, political and business leaders, and diplomats stationed in Dhaka were also present.

“We renew our commitment to the Kingdom’s continued progress, prosperity, and development, and look forward with confidence and optimism to an even brighter future,” the Saudi ambassador said.

He extended warm congratulations and greetings to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as well as the government and people of Saudi Arabia.

The ambassador said the National Day was an occasion to celebrate the Kingdom’s journey since its unification under its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and to reflect on the achievements that have shaped modern Saudi Arabia.

He said Saudi Arabia was at an important stage of its development journey, with the Kingdom continuing to pursue the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

“Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Kingdom continues to advance the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, transforming its economy, empowering its people, strengthening its international partnerships and creating new opportunities across diverse sectors,” he said.

He highlighted progress in economic diversification, investment, tourism, culture, technology, education, healthcare and quality of life.

The National Day theme, “Our Pride Is in Our Nature”, reflects values including generosity, hospitality, determination, authenticity and pride in national identity, he said.

The ambassador also said the latest phase of Vision 2030, covering 2026-2030, focuses on consolidating previous achievements, accelerating economic diversification, strengthening investment, empowering the private sector and promoting sustainable development.

According to the latest official Vision 2030 Annual Report for 2025, 93% of the programme’s key performance indicators had been achieved, while 90% of its 1,290 initiatives had either been completed or were progressing as planned.

The Kingdom has also recorded significant progress in tourism and the religious pilgrimage sector. Around 18.03 million pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia performed Umrah, surpassing the annual target of 15 million, according to the Saudi Embassy.

The ambassador said Saudi Arabia would continue working towards a diversified and sustainable economy, a vibrant society and an ambitious nation while pursuing new opportunities for growth and development.

He also wished the Kingdom continued security, stability, prosperity and sustainable development under its leadership.