Dhaka Honors Saudi Envoy with Diplomatic Excellence Medal

Saudi Arabia Ambassador Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan and Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the conferment ceremony at the Foreign Service academy on Tuesday. Photo: PID

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, in his address at the Foreign Service Academy, praised Ambassador Alduhailan's leadership, noting that under his tenure, the diplomatic relations between the two nations have flourished in unprecedented ways.

"Ambassador Essa's visionary leadership has spurred collaboration across multiple sectors, making Saudi Arabia one of Bangladesh's most vital partners in trade, investment, and energy security," said Touhid Hossain. "His efforts have been exemplary in expanding and consolidating our multifaceted ties."

Hossain also highlighted Ambassador Alduhailan's dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic, where his tireless work ensured the well-being of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia, safeguarding their jobs and welfare during a challenging global crisis.

"These actions stand as a powerful testament to his compassion and diplomatic foresight, strengthening the bond between our peoples," Hossain remarked.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, a milestone that underscores the enduring friendship between the two countries. Hossain noted that over three million Bangladeshi expatriates working in Saudi Arabia are integral to the oil-rich nation's economy and contribute significantly to Bangladesh's development through remittances.

"Saudi Arabia's investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and finance continues to deepen our mutual ties and reflect the growing cooperation between our nations," he added.

In his remarks, Ambassador Alduhailan expressed deep gratitude for the award, emphasizing that his work over the past five years had been focused on elevating Saudi-Bangladesh relations across a range of areas—beyond Hajj and Umrah—encompassing trade, investment, culture, sports, tourism, and more.

"I believe our relationship is multifaceted and extends beyond just manpower or religious matters. It’s about strengthening our cooperation in every possible domain," he said.

The ambassador also expressed his heartfelt thanks to Bangladesh's foreign ministry and leadership for nominating him for the honor. He acknowledged that the visionary guidance and steadfast support from Bangladesh's leadership had been pivotal in the close ties between the two countries.

"This prestigious recognition is a tremendous honor, and I sincerely thank the Government of Bangladesh for this incredible gesture. It symbolizes the deep and enduring bond between our two countries, and I am proud to have contributed to it," said Alduhailan.

Reflecting on his tenure, the ambassador highlighted several milestones in the bilateral relationship, including more than 50 high-level visits between both nations' dignitaries. Alduhailan also pointed to the successful implementation of digital platforms for Hajj and Umrah, such as the Nusuk and Makkah Route initiatives, which will be used again this year to streamline the pilgrimage process for Bangladeshi citizens.

In the past three years alone, the Saudi Embassy has issued over 2.2 million workers’ visas, opening up greater opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia.

The ambassador dedicated the award to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and his own family, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout his tenure.