Saudi Arabia, Turkey Positive About Bangladesh Joining Mecca Pact: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Saudi Arabia and Turkey have expressed positive views about Bangladesh potentially joining the Mecca Pact, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir said Sunday, adding that the government sees no major risk in participating in the initiative.
Kabir made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka.
He recently attended a special session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. On the sidelines of the meeting, he discussed the proposed agreement with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and a Turkish deputy foreign minister, Kabir said.
Asked whether Bangladesh was assessing the potential advantages and disadvantages of joining the pact, Kabir pointed to the country’s long experience and internationally recognized role in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Bangladesh is viewing the initiative positively in the broader context of addressing challenges facing the Muslim world, he said.
Kabir also cited Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the initiative, describing the kingdom as a brotherly Muslim country with a significant role in protecting Islam’s two holiest mosques.
“Once we receive a formal invitation, we will inform you,” Kabir told reporters. “But we are discussing the matter, and positive discussions are taking place with all parties, including our bilateral partners.”
Asked specifically whether the issue had been discussed with the Saudi foreign minister and the Turkish deputy foreign minister during the OIC meeting in Jeddah, Kabir confirmed that talks had taken place.
He said both Saudi Arabia and Turkey had shown a positive attitude toward Bangladesh’s possible inclusion in the agreement.
When asked about the biggest potential risk of joining the pact, Kabir dismissed concerns, saying the initiative could create new opportunities for Bangladesh.
“There is no risk in this,” he said, describing the agreement as a unique initiative that could open new possibilities.
Separately, when asked by reporters about dual citizenship, Kabir replied briefly: “I am Bangladeshi.”
