Bangladesh has shown interest in becoming a member of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, on the basis of national interest, given the changing global economic and trade dynamics.
Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir told Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha that Dhaka entertains positive thoughts about becoming part of the economic or defence partnership among the three nations.
His comments come amid a difficult period between Bangladesh and India, along with consistent diplomatic engagement with Pakistan.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan inked the coalition pact for defence cooperation earlier this month in Makkah, where they had agreed that an armed attack against any of the three nations would be considered an attack against all three.
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The Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s planned visit to Riyadh after being invited by the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is expected to be finalised after the summer, Kabir also revealed.
He said that Bangladesh was enhancing bilateral cooperation in normal diplomatic engagement with Pakistan including in trade and people-to-people connectivity with Pakistan.
The possibility of Bangladesh’s inclusion in the defence pact has been the subject of interest in New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs officials on Friday stated that India is closely watching the developments in West Asia.
When asked specifically about reports of Bangladesh’s interest in the pact, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India was keeping a close watch on the developments in the region.
Kabir also hinted at the possibility of Tarique Rehman visiting India, but said it was unlikely at present that a high-level bilateral visit would take place.
He said that there is no need to rush to visit India without first taking into account national interest.
Bangladesh is getting more active in the region with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, which may herald a change in its diplomatic strategy.
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