Kuwait has responded positively to cooperate in establishing an oil refinery in Bangladesh. In response to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s request, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah assured exploring opportunities in the field of gas and oil.
According to a joint statement issued wednesday on conclusion of Sheikh Jaber’s three-day visit, the two sides agreed to expand cooperation in various fields of trade, investment, energy and power, defence, human resources, infrastructure and in priority sectors in Economic Zones under Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority and IT parks.
Expressing satisfaction at the signing of an agreement on promotion and protection of investment, the two affirmed that it would facilitate Kuwaiti investment in Bangladesh.
Appreciating Kuwait for hosting a large number of Bangladeshi workers, Hasina requested to liberalise the recruitment and hiring policy, particularly to ensure more employment opportunities in professional, skilled and semi-skilled jobs.
Sheikh Jaber agreed to positively consider Bangladesh’s request.
Both also agreed to continue cooperation to counter terrorism and violent extremist for peace and stability. Hasina reaffirmed Bangladesh’s zero tolerance policy towards terrorism.
Both also expressed commitment to work towards the progress and prosperity of Muslim Ummah.
The joint statement containing 23 points, covering entire range of bilateral, regional and international issues of common concern, called for ending bloodshed and preserving independence and territorial integrity of Syria and stressed improving the humanitarian situation there.
Both called for comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on UN Security Council resolutions, and the establishment of a sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state.
Both called on Israel to refrain from any unilateral actions including continued settlement construction in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and its Holy Sites, and urged both sides to continue their negotiations to reach a “two-state solution”.
Both welcomed the agreement reached between P5+1 and Iran, stressing the importance of commitment towards the agreement’s implementation.
Sheikh Jaber stressed the importance of normal relations between Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries based on the principles of respect for sovereignty of states and non-interference in internal affairs as well as commitment to good neighbourliness.
Hasina extended an invitation to Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah through Sheikh Jaber and accepted Sheikh Jaber’s invitation to visit Kuwait.