Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Kuwait’s Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah have discussed expanding investment, trade and employment opportunities for Bangladeshis as the two countries seek to deepen their longstanding ties.

The two leaders held a bilateral meeting at Kuwait’s Permanent Mission in New York on Friday, September 25, on the sidelines of Tarique’s visit to the United States.

Talks focused on increasing trade and investment, expanding the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait and strengthening broader economic cooperation, according to a statement on the meeting.

Tarique called for greater high-level engagement between the political leadership of the two countries alongside stronger cooperation in the economy, trade, investment, manpower and other potential sectors.

He also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Dhaka and Kuwait City, recalling the roles played by his father, former President Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, in developing bilateral ties.

Tarique said the relationship built on “mutual respect, goodwill and cooperation” had expanded over the years.

He stressed the need to make the relationship deeper and more broad-based, with a focus on delivering tangible benefits for people in both countries.

Bangladesh and Kuwait have maintained close ties for decades, with labour migration forming an important part of the relationship. Kuwait remains a major destination for Bangladeshi migrant workers and a source of remittance earnings.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments, the statement said, without providing details of the issues discussed.

Both sides emphasised regular communication, cooperation and coordination on matters of mutual interest.

Tarique and the Kuwaiti crown prince concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to strengthening existing cooperation for the “mutual benefit” of the people of Bangladesh and Kuwait.

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