In line with the approach, Kobir said, “we will balance our international relations” and Bangladesh’s possible entry into the defence alliance would pose no risk.

The state minister said engaging in one particular sphere of cooperation amidst the current volatile and crisis-driven international political environment would neither limit Bangladesh’s foreign policy options nor prevent it from cooperating with other alliances or partners.

“Entering into one specific sphere within today’s volatile or crisis-driven international political climate does not mean you cannot contribute to other alliances or fields. It does not restrict your scope.”

Kobir reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to international peace, saying Dhaka would continue to engage wherever its experience and expertise could contribute to peace and stability.

“Bangladesh stands for global peace and stability, and wherever peace and stability are the primary goals, Bangladesh will always be present.”

The state minister last week held a series of bilateral meetings including with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and other senior officials during his Jeddah visit to join OIC’s 23rd Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM).

Asked if the proposed pact had figured in his discussions in Jeddah, Kobir confirmed that talks had taken place and added his interlocutors’ response was “positive, very positive”.

He, however, said Bangladesh was yet to receive a formal invitation to join the pact. “(But) When a formal invitation is extended, we will certainly inform you.”

Kobir said Bangladesh’s positive attitude towards the pact was led by its long-standing role in United Nations peacekeeping campaigns and its internationally recognised experience in security operations.

“Bangladesh is a huge contributor to international peacekeeping under the United Nations framework. Maintaining peace is not a new concept for Bangladesh; we have extensive experience and expertise in this area, and we are recognised globally for it.”

He added, “We do this (peacekeeping operation) all around the world, so why should we not do it for our Muslim brotherhood here.

“We are not new to this field, nor are we novices in peace operations. We are experts, contributing one of the largest contingents to the UN peacekeeping system.”

He said approaching such an initiative with a positive spirit to help address challenges facing the Muslim world was “not a bad thing at all” since Saudi Arabia is the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

The state minister said discussions on the matter progressed constructively and “let’s see how things develop as we engage further.”

Referring to his Jeddah engagements, Kobir said his meeting with the Saudi foreign minister was “very fruitful”, with the two sides also discussing trade, investment and potential defence cooperation.

He also held meetings with senior representatives of Qatar, Kuwait and the Maldives on the sidelines of the OIC meeting.

The state minister said Bangladesh’s “goodwill footprint” was now at the forefront in the Middle East and expressed optimism that Dhaka could translate it into stronger and more productive relations with countries in the region.