Bangladesh is interested in joining the Makkah Pact and is prepared to support efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, Foreign Affairs State Minister Humayun Kabir has said, stressing that the country will make no compromise over the sanctity of Islam’s two holiest cities.

Speaking to journalists after a seminar at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Saturday, October 10, Kabir said Bangladesh views the initiative positively and believes its experience in United Nations peacekeeping operations could contribute to regional stability.

Responding to questions about Bangladesh’s position on the Makkah Pact, the state minister said the government had already conveyed its interest in joining the initiative. Asked whether a formal invitation or response had been received, he reiterated that Bangladesh’s position on the sanctity of Makkah and Madinah was clear. 

Kabir also called for a broader partnership between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, moving beyond the traditional focus on labour migration and remittances towards investment, technology and energy cooperation.

He cited Saudi investment of approximately $2.43 billion in the Star Refinery-2 project as an example of the growing economic partnership between the two countries. He said high-level visits and exchanges were increasing as both sides sought to strengthen bilateral ties. 

The state minister added that Bangladesh wants to build long-term investment partnerships with countries around the world, with greater emphasis on technology, skilled employment and sustainable economic cooperation.

Regarding Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned four-day visit to Japan beginning October 26, Kabir said investment opportunities, particularly in the energy sector, would be a key focus of discussions.