Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrived in Dhaka today for a historic two-day state visit, set to elevate the already strong ties between Qatar and Bangladesh to new strategic heights.

The Amir was received at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, cabinet members, and other high-ranking officials, kicking off a visit both nations have dubbed a "milestone" in bilateral relations.

During his stay, the Qatari leader will hold official talks with Prime Minister Hasina and meet with President Mohammad Abdul Hamid. The two countries are expected to sign six agreements and five Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) spanning a range of sectors.  

"This high-level visit will elevate the friendly bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Qatar to new heights," said Foreign Minister Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen at a press briefing ahead of the Amir's arrival. 

The impending deals come on the heels of growing economic cooperation between the two nations. Bilateral trade has skyrocketed in recent years, soaring from QR 948 million in 2017 to over QR 10 billion in 2022.

Energy has emerged as a cornerstone of Qatar-Bangladesh relations, with Qatar currently the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the South Asian economy. A fresh LNG deal was inked in January 2023 for QatarEnergy to supply Bangladesh with 1 million tons annually from 2026 for 15 years.

Bangladeshi officials have lauded the visit as an opportunity to attract Qatari investments across an array of sectors, from agriculture and tourism to infrastructure projects. During a trip to Doha last year, Prime Minister Hasina urged Qatari businesses to ramp up investments in her fast-growing nation.

With over four decades of diplomatic ties, Qatar and the Muslim-majority nation of Bangladesh share deep-rooted bonds anchored in shared history, culture, and values. As a testament to their burgeoning partnership, the two nations abolished visa requirements for diplomatic, official, and special passport holders following political consultations in Doha last September.

The Amir's visit underscores Qatar's commitment to strengthening ties with Asian nations through strategic economic partnerships and cultural exchange. As Bangladesh aims to become a developed economy by 2040, Qatar's support could prove pivotal in unlocking the country's vast potential across industries.

Source: QNA