Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdullah Zafer H. bin Abiyah on Monday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, formally conveying an invitation from Saudi Arabia for the Prime Minister to visit the Kingdom.

The meeting was held at the Cabinet Division in the Bangladesh Secretariat at 9:40 am, according to Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.

During the meeting, the Saudi envoy handed over a letter from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud containing the formal invitation to the Prime Minister.

In return, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reciprocated by inviting the Saudi Crown Prince to pay an official visit to Bangladesh.

Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir disclosed the development at an emergency press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs later in the day.

Humaiun Kobir stated that the precise timing of the Prime Minister's visit to Saudi Arabia would be finalised through upcoming consultations between the two governments.

During the Secretariat meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on issues of mutual interest and explored practical ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Describing Saudi Arabia as a longstanding friend of Bangladesh, Humaiun Kobir emphasized that the Kingdom is highly keen to expand trade and investment with Bangladesh.

The high-level meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir, and Saudi Deputy Ambassador to Bangladesh Ibrahim Abdullah.