Dhaka: Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfig bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah on August 23 said his country is interested in increasing relations with Bangladesh in various sectors including travel, trade and investment.

The minister said this during a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin at Bangabhaban.

Welcoming the minister, the President said Saudi Arabia is one of Bangladesh's manpower export destinations. Bangladeshi skilled and unskilled manpower working in Saudi Arabia is contributing positively to the infrastructure and economic development of the two countries.

He expressed the hope that the Saudi government will take more effective initiatives for the welfare of Bangladeshis living in Saudi Arabia.

Referring to the completion of immigration in Dhaka for Bangladeshi Hajj pilgrims to perform the holy Hajj, the president said that the journey and performance of the Hajj has become easy and comfortable for the pilgrims for this initiative.

He expressed the hope that all Hajj pilgrims of the world including Bangladesh will be able to perform Hajj more easily and smoothly in the future.

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Praising the Saudi government for its warm hospitality during Hajj as a royal guest this year, the President said that various Islamic traditions, including the holy Haram Sharif and Masjid-e-Nababi, are highly respected and prestigious for the devout Muslims of Bangladesh.

The minister assured that necessary initiatives will be taken so that Bangladeshi pilgrims can perform Hajj more easily and smoothly.

State Minister for Religion Md Faridul Haque Khan, secretaries of the President and Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Essa Yussef Essa Al Duhailan were also present during the meeting.