Bangladesh Forges Green Collaboration with Saudi Arabia: Agricultural Expertise to Play Pivotal Role
Last Updated on March 12, 2024 5:02 am
In a significant move toward environmental sustainability, Bangladesh is actively exploring opportunities to contribute its agricultural expertise to Saudi Arabia’s green initiatives, as announced by Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday (11 March).
Bangladesh aims to bolster its participation in the ambitious green endeavors spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman in 2021, with a focus on combating climate change and preserving the environment in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s commitment to reducing emissions, afforestation, and the protection of land and sea.
Minister Hasan Mahmud emphasized the country’s interest in supporting Saudi Arabia’s plan to plant 50 billion trees across the Middle East, contributing to the rehabilitation of 200 million hectares of degraded land. A substantial portion of these trees is slated for planting within Saudi Arabia’s borders, while the remainder will be distributed across the region in the coming decades.
“In my recent discussions with the Saudi counterpart, I explored the possibility of our involvement in these initiatives,” Minister Hasan Mahmud stated during a press briefing in Dhaka, referring to his meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Jeddah last week.
“I urged him to consider accepting more agriculturists and trained farmers from Bangladesh. He acknowledged the importance of this matter,” Mahmud added.
The collaborative efforts extend beyond agricultural contributions, encompassing discussions on migrant welfare, potential Saudi investments in green energy, and port management in Bangladesh. Additionally, both nations addressed the Rohingya crisis, with Bangladesh seeking Saudi support in resolving the humanitarian situation. Mahmud revealed that the Saudi Foreign Minister pledged comprehensive assistance in this regard.
Bangladesh, with nearly three million citizens residing and working in Saudi Arabia, boasts the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom, showcasing the potential for a multifaceted collaboration between the two nations.