Dhaka, Riyadh ties continue to develop across numerous fields: Envoy

Flags of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia

Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer Bin Abiyah has reaffirmed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s deep appreciation for its longstanding and distinguished relations with Bangladesh.

"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 on the occasion of the 96th Saudi National Day, which falls on September 23.

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

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

Opposition Leader in Parliament and Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman, political and business leaders, and diplomats stationed in Dhaka were 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," said the Saudi Ambassador in his message.

On the occasion of the 96th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, he extended his warmest congratulations and sincere greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as well as to the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"This cherished national occasion represents a proud moment for every Saudi citizen, and for those who live and love Saudi Arabia, as we celebrate the remarkable journey of our Kingdom since its unification by the Founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and reflect on the achievements that have shaped modern Saudi Arabia," he said.

The Ambassador said Saudi Arabia stands at an important stage of its development journey.

"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.

The achievements made in recent years reflect the determination and ambition of the Saudi people, said the Saudi envoy.

"From economic diversification and investment to tourism, culture, technology, education, healthcare and quality of life, the Kingdom is witnessing a comprehensive transformation that is opening new horizons for the future," he said.

The National Day theme, “Our Pride Is in Our Nature”, embodies the values that have always characterised Saudi society: generosity, hospitality, determination, authenticity and pride in its national identity, said the Saudi envoy, noting that these values remain an important foundation for the Kingdom as it moves confidently towards the future.

"May the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continue to enjoy security, stability, prosperity and sustainable development under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince," he said.

The National Day comes as Saudi Arabia continues to advance the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which has entered its final phase, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

The current phase focuses on consolidating the achievements of previous years, accelerating economic diversification, strengthening investment, empowering the private sector, and enhancing sustainable development.

According to the latest official Vision 2030 Annual Report for 2025, 93% of Vision’s key performance indicators had been achieved, while some were close to achieving their annual targets.

Furthermore, 90% of Vision 2030 initiatives were either completed or progressing according to plan out of 1,290 initiatives, including 225 completed initiatives and 935 progressing as planned.

The Kingdom has also recorded significant economic achievements.

The Kingdom also welcomed approximately 18.03 million pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia for Umrah, surpassing the annual target of 15 million.

Guided by the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom continues its journey towards a diversified and sustainable economy, a vibrant society and an ambitious nation, building on its achievements while pursuing new opportunities for growth and development, according to the Saudi Embassy. - UNB