Amid his recent trip to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud announced that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been invited to visit Bangladesh in the second half of 2024. Mahmud also attended a special meeting of foreign ministers of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Palestine, advocating for a strong stance against Israel. In addition, he met with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha.
Bangladesh Strengthens Ties with Saudi Arabia, Pushes for Palestine Support
Bangladesh has taken significant strides in strengthening its ties with Saudi Arabia and advocating for the rights of Palestinians. Amid Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud's recent trip to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, several important developments have emerged.
Saudi Crown Prince's Visit
During his meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Mahmud extended an invitation to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Bangladesh in the second half of 2024. This visit would mark a significant milestone in bilateral relations between the two countries.
OIC Meeting on Palestine
Mahmud also attended a special meeting of foreign ministers of the Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Palestine. At the meeting, he advocated for a strong stance against Israeli aggression and human rights violations in the occupied territories. Bangladesh has consistently supported Palestine's right to self-determination and a two-state solution to the conflict.
Background
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed close ties for decades. The Gulf nation is a major labor market for Bangladeshi workers and a significant investor in Bangladesh's economy. In 2023, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Bangladesh has also played an active role in the OIC, which represents 57 Muslim-majority countries. The country has served as a member of the OIC's Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, and it has consistently supported the organization's efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and combat Islamophobia.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expected to visit Bangladesh? In the second half of 2024.
2. What was the main focus of Foreign Minister Mahmud's meeting with the Saudi Foreign Minister? To discuss bilateral relations and extend an invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
3. What position did Bangladesh take at the OIC meeting on Palestine? Bangladesh advocated for a strong stance against Israeli aggression and support for Palestinian rights.
4. How important are ties with Saudi Arabia for Bangladesh? Saudi Arabia is a major labor market and investor in Bangladesh, and it plays a significant role in the country's economy.
5. What role has Bangladesh played in the OIC? Bangladesh has served as a member of the OIC's Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission and has supported the organization's efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and combat Islamophobia.
In a historic first, India will host the International Cooperative Alliance's global conference and General Assembly, where Prime Minister Modi will launch the 'United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025'. The event will be held in New Delhi from November 25-30 and will see over 3,000 delegates, including esteemed guests from Bhutan and Fiji. Despite challenges, the event will showcase India's commitment to the global cooperative movement and highlight the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
In a surprising turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto has cancelled two major deals with India's Adani Group after its founder was indicted in the US for corruption. The deals, worth nearly $2 billion, included a 30-year lease for control of the country's main airport and a partnership to construct power transmission lines. Ruto cited "new information" from investigative agencies and partner nations as the reason for the cancellation, drawing thunderous applause from lawmakers in his state of the nation address. The move has sparked concerns about transparency and value for money in these deals, which have faced criticism from politicians and the public.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Security Strategic Working Group, comprising representatives from all MSG member states, has successfully completed their sixth workshop meeting in Honiara last week. They have discussed the outcomes of their consultations with NGOs and CSOs in each member country, and agreed on the next steps to finalize the MSG Peace and Security Strategy. This is seen as a significant step for the sub-region in facing common threats, and the finalized report will be tabled at the upcoming Police Commissioner's and Police Minister's Meeting in Indonesia next year.
A video claiming to show Indian and Chinese armed forces chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ amid the recent disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh has been circulating on social media. However, the truth is that the video is not recent and has been on the internet since January 2024. It was originally shared as footage of Indian Army personnel chanting the slogan after the consecration of the idol of Hindu deity Ram at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. A keyword search led to several news reports from January 2024, clarifying that the video is not recent and its authenticity has not been verified.
A group of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, Laos fell ill after a night out on November 12th, possibly from drinking tainted alcohol. As of now, five deaths have been confirmed, including a British lawyer identified as Simone White and a young Australian woman. The Australian Prime Minister has expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of Bianca Jones and hopes for the recovery of her friend, Holly Bowles. Western government officials are supporting the families of the victims and urging caution for travelers in the popular backpacking destination.
Laishram Herojit, a low-level government worker, has appealed for the safe return of his family who went missing after an encounter between suspected Kuki insurgents and security forces in Manipur. Two women, including Herojit's wife, and an eight-year-old child are among the six people who went missing. Herojit has called for the release of his innocent family and has appealed to any group that may be holding them hostage to return them unharmed. He recalls getting a call from his wife during the violence, which later got disconnected, and a Bengali friend later informed him that they were taken away in a boat.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
Guyana's President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a ceremony at the State House, conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of Excellence'. Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, expressed his gratitude and dedicated the honour to India's 1.4 billion people. This recognition is a testament to India's strong commitment towards deepening friendship with Guyana and demonstrates the country's unbiased approach towards international relations.
As the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years, PM Modi's arrival marks a momentous occasion for the community. The Indian diaspora, which makes up over 40% of Guyana's population, eagerly awaits the world leader and shanti-doot who strives to unite the world and propel India into its golden age. PM Modi's visit marks a significant moment for the Indian community, deeply rooted in their traditions and eagerly showcasing their vibrant culture to welcome the Prime Minister. During this visit, PM Modi will also co-chair the second India-CARICOM Summit with the Prime Minister of Grenada, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
In a move to slow Russian advances in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel mines to the Ukrainian military. This comes as reports state that North Korean troops have joined Russian marines and airborne units in battles throughout the country. The addition of anti-personnel mines marks a new level of assistance from the US in the ongoing conflict, with the mines being more deadly and longer-lasting than the previously provided anti-tank mines. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air defence units are actively working to repel a Russian air attack on the capital city of Kyiv.