Bangladesh and Qatar are set to finalize 11 cooperation documents, comprising six agreements and five MoUs, as Dhaka prepares to host Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday afternoon, said Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud during a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
The six agreements cover various aspects such as the prevention of double taxation and tax evasion, cooperation in legal affairs, mutual promotion and protection of investments, sea transportation, exchange of prisoners, and the establishment of a joint business council.
Additionally, five MoUs will be signed, focusing on cooperation in the manpower sector, port management, higher education and scientific research, youth and sports, and diplomatic training.
"With this visit, the relations between Bangladesh and Qatar will reach a new height. This is the first-ever high-level visit from any country of the Middle East after the formation of the new government in January this year", he noted.
A distinguished Qatari delegation led by the country's emir will undertake a state visit to Bangladesh, accepting invitations from the president and prime minister of Bangladesh.
The emir is expected to arrive on Monday afternoon via a special flight, where he will be received by President Mohammed Shahabuddin amid a ceremonial reception, including a gun salute, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
In addition to discussions on bilateral cooperation, the agenda will encompass global issues, notably the Palestine-Israel conflict, where Bangladesh intends to articulate its stance.
"Naturally, this discussion can come up. Killings in Gaza should be stopped. Everyone wants it. We want it", the foreign minister noted.
The foreign minister highlighted Qatar's significant stature in the Middle East, attributing its influence to abundant petroleum and natural gas resources, coupled with the highest average per capita income in the region.
Qatar's robust economy, strategic geographic location, and active diplomatic engagement and mediation further contribute to its prominence.
In response to queries, the minister emphasized the forthcoming discussions on energy matters, underscoring their importance, and expressed optimism about the visit's role in enhancing Bangladesh's energy security.