Qatar's Emir elevates bilateral relations with Bangladesh in landmark visit

DHAKA, Bangladesh - According to the Foreign Ministry, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani left Dhaka on Tuesday after a 24-hour visit that fostered enormous goodwill and understanding between the two countries.

"The highest-level visit is likely to significantly contribute to further consolidation of ties and the elevation of bilateral relations to the next level," the ministry stated after he left.

The emir arrived on Monday. He was given state honors, and President Mohammed Shahabuddin greeted him at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.

This is the first state-level visit since the current government took power in January of this year.

Both sides had "productive" bilateral discussions at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the talks, both leaders praised the long-standing bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen ties through enhanced interaction and exchanges at all levels, including official, business, and political.

The topics covered included increasing collaboration in trade and investment, energy, labor, defense, education, agriculture, and food security.

Both sides also discussed regional and global problems of mutual importance, such as the conflict in Gaza and the return of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

Both leaders voiced grave worry about the Middle East's rise in tension and bloodshed, and they urged world leaders to take constructive steps toward a long-term solution to the Palestinian cause.

The Emir hailed Bangladesh's economic success under Prime Minister Hasina's leadership.

He praised Bangladesh as an emerging investment destination and congratulated both parties for signing the investment promotion and protection agreement between Qatar and Bangladesh.