Bangladesh is seeking to strengthen its energy security through closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while attracting fresh investment in renewable energy following a series of high-level meetings at the 17th International Energy Forum in Saudi Arabia.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit MP held separate talks with Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister for Electricity, Nasser Al-Qahtani; Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy president and chief executive Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi; and ACWA Power chief executive Marco Arcelli.
The discussions focused on securing reliable supplies of liquefied natural gas (LNG), exploring longer-term energy partnerships and expanding investment opportunities in Bangladesh’s renewable energy sector.
Qatar talks focus on long-term gas supplies
Bangladesh’s growing demand for natural gas and the prospect of new long-term LNG supply agreements were central to discussions with Mr Al-Kaabi.
The two sides reviewed existing LNG import arrangements and explored ways to diversify supply sources and routes through QatarEnergy’s international portfolio.
Both sides emphasised the importance of continued commercial and technical discussions between the relevant organisations to identify opportunities for future cooperation.
The talks come as Bangladesh seeks to ensure reliable supplies of imported gas to meet rising energy demand and support its economic development.
Saudi Arabia partnership aims to boost energy security
In talks with Mr Al-Qahtani, Mr Amit sought continued Saudi support for Bangladesh’s energy security and wider development priorities.
The Saudi official reaffirmed the Kingdom’s close ties with Bangladesh, describing it as a brotherly country of particular importance to the Saudi government. He also expressed confidence that cooperation could be expanded across energy security and other areas of development.
Mr Amit stressed the need for closer engagement to help Bangladesh meet its energy targets for 2030. He called for regular exchanges between officials and the establishment of a framework to guide future cooperation.
The discussions also covered possible long-term energy assistance, including the development of LNG terminals and the exploration of offshore and onshore gas resources.
ACWA Power considers renewable energy investment
Bangladesh also held talks with Saudi energy company ACWA Power on potential investment in the country’s renewable energy sector.
Mr Arcelli expressed interest in investing in Bangladesh, opening the way for further discussions on prospective projects and future collaboration.
The potential investment would support Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify its energy mix, expand renewable power generation and reduce its exposure to disruptions in conventional fuel supplies.
International investment is expected to play an important role in meeting the country’s future energy needs as it seeks to strengthen energy security and pursue its longer-term development goals.
Officials from the Bangladeshi delegation and the Bangladesh Embassy also attended the meetings.
Bangladesh condemns Riyadh airport attack
At the beginning of his meeting with Mr Al-Qahtani, Mr Amit expressed condolences over deaths caused by an attack attributed to Houthi rebels at Riyadh International Airport.
He condemned the attack and conveyed the solidarity of the Bangladeshi government and people with Saudi Arabia. He also informed his Saudi counterpart of a condolence message sent by Bangladesh’s Prime Minister to the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Mr Amit requested Saudi assistance in repatriating the bodies of two Bangladeshi nationals killed in the incident and arranging medical treatment for those injured.