The nine-member delegation is to visit the Shoura Council on Saturday and hold talks with the council's senior members. The delegation is also expected to meet members of the Saudi-Bangladesh Parliamentary Friendship Committee.

“We have maintained excellent relations with the Kingdom, which has been a close friend in good and bad times,” Bangladesh Ambassador Mohamed Shahidul Islam told Arab News.

“Saudi Arabia remains close to our hearts since the two countries are bound by social, religious and cultural ties.”

Bangladesh Commerce Minister Mohammad Faruk Khan signed an agreement earlier this year on a visit to the Kingdom on the avoidance of double taxation.

“We have also finalized the draft treaty on promotion and protection of investment, which will be signed at a convenient day suitable to both parties,” said the ambassador.

The Kingdom's current exports are valued at $472 million, while its imports from Bangladesh are valued at $123.4 million.

The ambassador and his wife Shahnaz hosted a cultural show at his residence on Thursday to mark the Bengali New Year. Diplomats from foreign missions, including the dean of the diplomatic community Ambassador Omar Diawara, prominent members of the Bangladesh community and embassy officials and their families dressed in traditional costumes took part in the event. The function ended with a dinner banquet served with Bangladeshi dishes.