Qatari Emir’s landmark go to to Bangladesh open new vista of strengthens bilateral ties

Dhaka witnessed a grand spectacle yesterday afternoon because the pink carpet was rolled out at Hazrat Shahjalal Worldwide Airport to welcome Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The emir’s arrival marked a pivotal second in Bangladesh-Qatar relations, as that is the primary go to by a Qatari emir since 2005.

The particular Qatar Airways flight carrying the emir and his delegation touched down at round 5:00 pm. Bangladesh is the second leg of the emir’s three-country tour, which incorporates the Philippines and Nepal. This important go to was prolonged by a particular invitation from President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, indicating the significance each international locations place on their relationship.

President Shahabuddin set the tone for the go to by welcoming the emir with flower bouquets upon his arrival. The air echoed with a 21-gun salute, symbolizing the respect and honor accorded to the distinguished visitor. A guard of honor was additionally offered to the emir, accompanied by the nationwide anthems of each international locations. Following this, the emir inspected the parade floor, witnessing the army precision and self-discipline of Bangladesh’s armed forces.

As we speak’s agenda is filled with bilateral conferences and engagements. Emir Sheikh Tamim is scheduled to satisfy Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the Prime Minister’s Workplace for a bilateral dialogue, which will likely be adopted by a extra intimate one-on-one assembly. Later within the day, President Shahabuddin will host an official lunch in honor of the emir on the Bangabhaban.

Recognizing the enduring friendship between Bangladesh and Qatar, two important infrastructure initiatives are within the pipeline. A park below development at Balurmath of Kalshi in Mirpur and a street from Mirpur ECB Chattar to Kalsi Flyover will likely be named in honor of Emir Sheikh Tamim. These gestures underscore the deepening ties and mutual respect between the 2 nations.

The timing of this go to holds explicit significance in opposition to the backdrop of shifting world geopolitics. The continuing Center East disaster, exacerbated by the Iran-Israel battle over Palestine, has created a urgent want for dialogue and collaboration amongst nations. Each Bangladesh and Qatar have proven eagerness to boost commerce relations and mutual cooperation, making this go to all of the extra essential.

International Minister Hasan Mahmud hinted at the potential of discussions between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Qatari Emir on the Iran-Israel battle. Qatar has more and more performed a mediating function in world crises, whereas Bangladesh has been vocal in its assist for Palestinians, calling for an finish to Israeli assaults and the genocide in Gaza.

A collection of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are set to be signed in the course of the emir’s go to, overlaying a variety of sectors. These embody agreements on the avoidance of double taxation, authorized cooperation, transport, mutual funding promotion and safety, trade of prisoners, and the formation of a joint enterprise council. Moreover, MoUs will likely be signed in areas akin to manpower, port administration, greater training, scientific analysis, youth and sports activities, and diplomatic coaching.

One of many key areas of dialogue is prone to be vitality safety. Bangladesh, with its rising economic system, is eager to safe its vitality wants and sees Qatar’s wealthy petroleum reserves as a possible supply. At the moment, Bangladesh imports LNG from Qatar below an settlement signed final yr, and discussions could concentrate on deferred cost choices for LNG in the course of the bilateral assembly.

The financial ties between Bangladesh and Qatar are sturdy, with bilateral commerce exceeding US$3.6 billion. Round 400,000 Bangladeshis are employed in Qatar, contributing considerably to each international locations’ economies. Hasan Mahmud expressed Bangladesh’s curiosity in attracting Qatari investments in sectors like renewable vitality, monetary providers, and port administration. Bangladesh additionally goals to export extra merchandise akin to ceramics, leather-based items, clothes, and prescription drugs to Qatar.

Qatar has proven curiosity in managing ports in Chattogram and Matarbari, indicating potential collaborations in infrastructure growth. Hasan Mahmud expressed optimism, stating, “We count on the Qatari emir’s go to to be a milestone in our relationship”.

Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani’s go to to Bangladesh marks a major chapter within the longstanding friendship between the 2 international locations. With a concentrate on strengthening financial, political, and cultural ties, this go to guarantees to raise Bangladesh-Qatar relations to new heights. As each nations navigate the complexities of worldwide geopolitics, their shared dedication to mutual cooperation and understanding serves as a beacon of hope and collaboration in an more and more interconnected world.