<div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yousef Essa Al Duhailan stated that Saudi Arabia issued over one million visas to Bangladeshi nationals last year and continues to do so, currently hosting more than 3.2 million Bangladeshi migrant workers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Last year alone, we issued more than 1 million visas, and we continue to welcome more," he said at a reception celebrating the 94th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held at the Saudi Embassy here last evening.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain joined the reception as the chief guest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The envoy said, currently, Saudi Arabia hosts over 3.2 million Bangladeshi migrant workers, making them the largest expatriate community outside Bangladesh while their contributions have a significant impact on both economies.&nbsp; &nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"We successfully organized Hajj for over 85,000 Bangladeshi pilgrims (this year) through the Makkah Route Initiative. Additionally, this year's Umrah quota has increased by 37%, and we have made it easier for pilgrims to book through the mobile app Nusuk," he added.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Ambassador said Saudi Arabia will continue to extend its support and collaboration to Bangladesh for achieving shared goals, ensuring a bright and prosperous future for both the countries.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"As a brotherly nation, Saudi Arabia has consistently stood by Bangladesh in times of need," said the envoy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He said the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh is characterized by deep brotherhood and mutual respect, rooted in shared religion and cultural values.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Over the decades, this bond has strengthened as both countries collaborate in various fields, including trade, investment, sports, and culture. Saudi Arabia's multifaceted leadership encompasses in Hajj &amp; Umrah, Man power, and humanitarian aid," he elaborated.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Ambassador noted that through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, Saudi Arabia has provided over $7 billion in aid to 102 countries, delivering essential support to communities in Palestine, Yemen, Bangladesh, and other Arab and Muslim nations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The envoy said Saudi Arabia continues to play a pivotal role on the global stage, shaping the world economy and promoting peace as a member of the G20, BRICS, and OPEC.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He said the Kingdom remains a key player in stabilizing global energy markets and has long been an advocate for the Palestinian cause, supporting a two- state solution based on 1967 borders.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Since the time of Late King Abdulaziz, Saudi Arabia has been a steadfast advocate for the Palestinian cause, leading international efforts to insure that the Palestinian people achieve their rights, recognizing an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently, the envoy noted that, during UN general assembly Prince Faisal AL Farhan announced the International Coalition to implement a two-state solution.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Besides, the Ambassador Saudi Arabia also actively engages in mediating global conflicts, including those in Sudan and between Russia and Ukraine, reinforcing its commitment to peace and justice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>