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State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humayun Kabir stated on Sunday that potentially joining the newly established Makkah Joint Defense Agreement would carry no security risks for Bangladesh, nor would it compromise or restrict the nation's multi-aligned bilateral ties with global partners.
Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a diplomatic meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr. Abdullah Zafer bin Abiah, the State Minister characterized the multilateral defense initiative as a constructive opportunity for international and regional cooperation.
Highlighting the strategic outlook of the government, State Minister Humayun Kabir remarked:
"This is a unique pact that creates new avenues for constructive cooperation, and Bangladesh views the proposed initiative through a positive lens. Active discussions are ongoing, and our bilateral dialogues with all partner nations are progressing constructively. There is no benefit in anticipating risks prematurely before exploring opportunities. Dhaka will maintain an integrated and flexible foreign and security policy that balances international relations. For a country like Bangladesh, navigating current geopolitical dynamics requires strategic flexibility in security cooperation. Engaging in multilateral collaboration in one domain does not curtail or close avenues of engagement with other partners."
The 'Makkah Joint Defense Agreement' was formally signed on August 7, 2026, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey joining as its founding member states.
Addressing queries regarding the strategic rationale behind Bangladesh's openness toward the initiative, the State Minister highlighted Bangladesh’s established standing in international peacekeeping:
"Under the United Nations framework, Bangladesh is a leading contributor to global peacekeeping and stability. Preserving peace is not a new domain for us; we possess proven, globally recognized expertise. If our armed forces can contribute to peacekeeping missions across the globe, there is no reason why we should hesitate to support initiatives aimed at regional security and brotherhood among Muslim nations. As the custodian of the two holy mosques, Saudi Arabia's initiative to tackle emerging challenges within the Muslim world deserves a welcoming and constructive approach."
State Minister Humayun Kabir clarified that while informal consultations have been positive, Bangladesh has not yet received a formal diplomatic invitation to join the pact, adding that any formal invitation will be disclosed through proper channels.
The discussions follow Humayun Kabir’s recent official visit to Jeddah for the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, where he held bilateral meetings with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, alongside senior dignitaries from Qatar, Kuwait, and the Maldives. The talks in Jeddah covered trade expansion, investment opportunities, and defense cooperation, underscoring Bangladesh's growing diplomatic presence and goodwill across the Middle East.
https://thedailyexpress.news/news/national/1f1a48e9-afb5-6570-b435-2028f8448bd5