Jedha:Saudi Arabia's new Permanent Representative to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed that an anticipated positive verdict by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Rohingya genocide case could establish a historic precedent in international human rights law.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ambassador Khalid Bin Ismaeel Bin Badawi Bin Hussain Al Sharif made these remarks during a meeting with Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the OIC, Ambassador MJH Jabed, in Jedha. The two diplomats discussed the forthcoming 52nd Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Baghdad and other mutual concerns within the OIC framework.
During the discussions, the Saudi envoy assured Bangladesh of Saudi Arabia's continued support for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar. He emphasized that an ICJ verdict holding parties accountable for genocide would have significant implications beyond the Rohingya crisis by enhancing accountability under international human rights law.
Ambassador Jabed conveyed Bangladesh's full solidarity with Saudi Arabia following recent Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure, which resulted in the loss of lives, including two Bangladeshi nationals. The Saudi envoy expressed deep appreciation for the support from Bangladesh during these attacks, which he stated violated international law.
The two sides also agreed to pursue a coordinated approach on key areas such as trade, finance, agriculture, healthcare, science, and technology within various OIC forums. They highlighted the importance of ongoing Bangladesh-Saudi cooperation on Rohingya repatriation and other common interests within the OIC.