Dhaka, Oct 10 (V7N)- Bangladesh no longer wants to depend unilaterally on any single country and instead seeks equal partnerships in trade, commerce and international investment based on mutual respect and dignity, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir has said.

Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, Kabir outlined the government's diplomatic priorities, including strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia and expanding economic cooperation with Japan.

“We do not want to be dependent on any country. Bangladesh is determined to establish itself as a reliable partner in the global economy through trade, commerce and investment,” he said.

On relations with Saudi Arabia, Kabir said Bangladesh wanted to move beyond traditional labour-market cooperation and develop a broader partnership covering trade, industry and large-scale investment.

He also stressed Bangladesh's commitment to the security of Islam's holy cities, Mecca and Medina, saying Dhaka would be prepared to provide necessary security and other assistance if the holy sites faced an attack or threat.

Kabir highlighted the Bangladesh Army's experience in United Nations peacekeeping missions, saying the country could draw on that professional expertise to contribute to restoring lasting peace and stability in the Middle East under Saudi Arabia's leadership.

Regarding upcoming diplomatic engagements, Kabir said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would visit Saudi Arabia as soon as possible. He also confirmed that the prime minister was scheduled to leave for Japan on October 26 for a four-day official visit.

During the visit to Tokyo, discussions are expected to focus on expanding bilateral trade, strengthening long-term cooperation in the energy sector and attracting greater Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI) to Bangladesh.

The planned visits form part of Dhaka's broader effort to diversify its international partnerships, strengthen economic cooperation and pursue a foreign policy based on mutual respect and national interests.

END/SMA/AJ