Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Abdelouahab Saidani paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed at his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday.

The two sides discussed security cooperation, human trafficking prevention, migration management and trade expansion.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, with the two sides discussing a range of issues of mutual interest, including maintaining law and order, security cooperation, preventing and combating human trafficking, migration management, and expanding economic and trade ties between Bangladesh and Algeria.

They placed particular emphasis on specialised training to enhance the efficiency and professionalism of security forces, organising joint workshops and exchanging legislative support.

The meeting was also informed that initiatives had been taken for long-term government-to-government (G2G) imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fertiliser from Algeria. Both sides agreed that the initiatives would take bilateral commercial relations to a new level.

During the meeting, Ambassador Saidani recalled that Algeria was the first Arab country to recognise Bangladesh after its independence in 1971. He expressed Algeria’s strong interest in further strengthening the historic and friendly relations between the two countries.

In response, Home Minister Salahuddin said Algeria could increase imports of ready-made garments and pharmaceutical products from Bangladesh to further boost bilateral economic relations.

He also urged Algeria to recruit skilled Bangladeshi manpower, including doctors and nurses.

Regarding the legal complications involving an Algerian citizen facing trial in Bangladesh, the Home Minister advised the ambassador to follow the due legal process by submitting an application to the court. He assured that Bangladesh would provide necessary legal assistance in the matter.

Referring to an invitation from the Bangladesh Prime Minister to the Algerian President to visit Bangladesh, Salahuddin said Bangladesh was pleased that the Algerian President had accepted the invitation. He stressed the need to set a mutually convenient diplomatic date for the visit.

The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening and strengthening cooperation in security, trade and bilateral diplomatic relations.

Senior Home Secretary Manzur Morshed Chowdhury, Additional Secretary of the Political and Immigration Wing Dr Ziauddin Ahmed, Director General of the Africa Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ATM Abdur Rouf Mondal, among others, were present at the meeting.