MM Rahmatullah: Bangladesh and Algeria have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on energy cooperation, trade, investment and industrial development.
The commitment came at a reception marking the 72nd anniversary of Algeria`s Glorious Liberation Revolution of November 1, 1954, hosted by the Embassy of Algeria at the Sky Ballroom of Le Méridien Dhaka on Sunday evening.
Algerian Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdelouahab Saidani and his wife, Mrs. Meriem Saidani, hosted the event. Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood attended as the chief guest. Diplomats, senior government officials, representatives of international organisations, journalists and members of the Algerian community were also present.
In his address, Ambassador Saidani paid tribute to the heroes and martyrs of Algeria`s liberation struggle against 132 years of French colonial rule. He described the 1954 revolution as a landmark in the global struggle for freedom and self-determination.
Highlighting Algeria`s foreign policy priorities, he reiterated his country`s commitment to sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution and support for the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian and Western Saharan peoples.
On bilateral relations, the Ambassador recalled that Algeria was the first Arab country to officially recognise Bangladesh`s independence in December 1971.
He expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, textiles, leather, healthcare, shipbuilding and other promising sectors. He also highlighted the recent visit of a Bangladeshi ministerial delegation to Algeria as an important step towards stronger economic and strategic ties.
Speaking at the event, Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood congratulated the Algerian government and people on the historic occasion, stressing the importance of translating longstanding friendship into greater economic cooperation.
He invited Algerian investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh`s textile, food processing, ceramics, industrial goods and light engineering sectors. He also expressed interest in benefiting from Algeria`s expertise in oil, gas and mining through technology transfer and capacity building.
The Minister particularly highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation during the Bangladeshi delegation`s visit to Algeria from October 20 to 22, 2026, describing it as a milestone in bilateral relations.
The reception concluded with renewed pledges to turn historical friendship into practical cooperation for mutual economic prosperity.