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

DHAKA, Jan 28, 2025 (BSS) - Dhaka today conferred this year's "Bangladesh Medal for Diplomatic Excellence" on Saudi Arabia Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan for his profound and enduring contributions toward elevating Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia bilateral relationship to unprecedented heights.

"During the tenure of His Excellency Essa Yousef Essa Alduhailan, the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia relationship has flourished in unprecedented ways," said Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at the conferment ceremony at the Foreign Service academy here. 

He said that the visionary leadership of ambassador Essa had fostered collaboration across a spectrum of sectors, with Saudi Arabia emerging as one of Bangladesh's key bilateral partners in trade, investment, and energy security.

"His Excellency's dynamism and commitment to expanding and consolidating our multifaceted ties have been nothing short of exemplary," he said. 

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the foreign adviser said, Essa demonstrated unparalleled dedication by safeguarding the welfare of Bangladeshi expatriates in Saudi Arabia and ensuring the continuity of employment for Bangladeshi workers. 

"These efforts stand as a testament to his compassion and statesmanship, further strengthening the bond between our peoples," he said. 

Throughout Bangladesh's diplomatic history, he said Saudi Arabia has remained a steadfast friend and trusted ally while this year marks the 50th anniversary of the inception of diplomatic engagement between the two nations. 

"Today, our collaboration has yielded significant benefits in areas such as development and joint advocacy for shared goals on international platforms," Touhid noted. 

He said over three million Bangladeshi expatriates, working in Saudi Arabia, are playing a vital role in the oil-rich nation's economy while contributing to Bangladesh's development through remittances. 

"This interdependence reflects the strong and growing connection between our two nations. Saudi Arabia's forward-looking investments in Bangladesh- spanning key areas such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and finance- have further solidified this bond," said the adviser. 
In his remark, the Saudi ambassador said throughout his five years of service in Dhaka, he has worked tirelessly dedicated himself to elevating Saudi-Bangladesh relations to new horizons.

"I firmly believe that our relationship is multifaceted, extending far beyond Hajj, Umrah, or manpower. It encompasses trade, investment, culture, sports, tourist and every other aspect of cooperation that strengthens our bond," he said. 

The envoy expressed his gratefulness to the foreign ministry and Bangladesh leadership to nominate him for the award and said visionary guidance and unwavering support of the Bangladesh leadership have played a pivotal role in fostering the close bond between the two brotherly Muslim counties. 

"This prestigious recognition is a tremendous privilege, and I sincerely thank the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh for this incredible honor. This award symbolizes the strong bond between our two countries, and I am proud to have been part of this journey," he shared with heartfelt emotion.

Over the past five years, the ambassador said Saudi-Bangladesh bilateral relations have reached new heights, marked by several significant developments including Over 50 high-level visits between dignitaries from both countries. 

"We successfully implemented digital applications for Hajj and Umrah, including the Nusuk and Makkah Route Initiatives, which will be implemented again this year to streamline the pilgrimage process for Bangladeshi citizens," he said. 

Over the past three years, the ambassador said the Saudi Embassy has issued more than 2.2 million workers' visas, facilitating opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia.

The envoy dedicated this award to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and his family.