Dhaka  - Bangladesh Wednesday extended its support to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to host the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency in Masdar, an official said.

"Bangladesh supports the theme of the International Renewable Energy Agency. Our country is committed to the progress for introducing renewable energy," Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Dipu Moni told visiting UAE Environment and Water Minister Rashed Ahmed Bin Fahad in Dhaka.

Her assurance came after the UAE minister sought support from Bangladesh it its bid to host the headquarters of the global body for renewable energy in Masdar, a planned city in Abu Dhabi currently under construction.

The international body has 79 members as of now, according to available statistics.

IRENA seeks to promote, among other things, solar and wind energy, biomass and renewable energies bio-fuels in addition to seeking cooperation between industrialized countries and developing nations on renewable energies

During the meeting, Dipu Moni also sought cooperation from the Gulf country for development of the renewable energy sector, and support for Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE is the second-largest destination for workers from Bangladesh after Saudi Arabia.

The Bangladeshi minister requested UAE authorities to recruit more professionals, including doctors, engineers, bankers and accountants from Bangladesh beside the skilled, semi-skilled and low-skilled workers.(dpa)