Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said Bangladesh could be a strategic partner of Saudi Arabia through extensive training cooperation, capacity building, military infrastructure construction, shipbuilding and export of military equipment from Bangladesh.

She said this when visiting Saudi Chief of General Staff General Abdul Rahman Al-Bunaiyan met her at her official residence Ganabhaban, reports the UNB.

PM’s Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

The Prime Minister mentioned that Saudi Arabia always enjoys a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshi people and both the countries have traditional close relations.

Talking about terrorism, she said the government maintains a zero-tolerance stance on the social menace.

Hasina also said the government is involving mass people in various activities to create awareness in this regard.

About Bangladeshi nationals working in Saudi Arabia, she said they are contributing to the economy of the Arab country.

Before sending the manpower, the Prime Minister also mentioned, the government gives them necessary training so that they can learn the language of the respective country and have ideas about its laws.

General Abdul Rahman Al-Bunaiyan termed the relations between the two countries excellent and important.

He also said the relations between the armies of Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia are very good.

Regarding the terrorism, Saudi Chief of General Staff General said both the countries are against the menace.

PM’s Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi, Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Military Secretary Major General Mian Mohammad Joynul Abedin were, among others, present at the meeting.