Strengthening bilateral military relations and achieving mutual defence objectives were the focus of the first Joint Committee Meeting on Defence Cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, which concluded at Dhaka Cantonment today.

The three-day meeting, held under the overall supervision of the Armed Forces Division (AFD), marked "a significant step forward in deepening military ties between the two brotherly countries," said the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.

The talks aimed to enhance mutual relations, expand strategic cooperation, and coordinate key areas such as joint military training, education, defence industry, and military exercises.

Major General Hamed Rafi Al-Amri led the 15-member Saudi delegation, comprising military and civilian officials. Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hassan, principal staff officer of the AFD, headed the Bangladesh delegation.

Senior officers from both sides participated in the discussions, which were held in a spirit of fraternity, mutual respect, and cooperation.

Expressing hope for continued collaboration, Maj Gen Al-Amri said the two nations, bound by Islamic brotherhood, would continue working together in defence and other sectors.

He said he firmly believed that military cooperation would elevate bilateral relations to a new height and expressed optimism that the partnership would endure in the future.

In his concluding statement, Lt Gen Hassan thanked the Saudi delegation and all participants, including members of the media.

He described the meeting as an "important milestone" in the growing friendship between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

On behalf of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, he expressed deep gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support in making the meeting possible.

He reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to mutual respect, brotherhood, and peace, and highlighted the love and reverence the people of Bangladesh hold for Saudi Arabia as the custodian of the two holy mosques and a contributor to global peace.

Wishing continued prosperity for both nations, he invited the Saudi delegation to visit Bangladesh again.

It was decided that the second session of the Bangladesh-Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation will be held in the third quarter of 2026, the release added.