Bangladesh, Maldives pledge stronger ties, stress need to reinvigorate Saarc
The foreign minister conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and thanked President Muizzu for attending the installation ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government in February.
Bangladesh and the Maldives have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations during a meeting between Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Malé yesterday (25 July).
Khalilur, who is visiting the Maldives as the special guest for the country's 61st Independence Day celebrations, paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu at the President's Office, reads a press release.
During the meeting, they also underscored the importance of reinvigorating the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc).
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The foreign minister conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and thanked President Muizzu for attending the installation ceremony of Bangladesh's newly elected government in February.
He also expressed appreciation for the Maldivian president's support for his candidature for the presidency of the United Nations General Assembly.
Khalilur highlighted the government's priority of maintaining strong bilateral relations with all countries based on mutual respect and shared interests under the principle of "Bangladesh First."
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of Bangladesh-Maldives relations and agreed to further strengthen cooperation through a pragmatic approach that benefits both countries.
They also reviewed recent regional and international developments and emphasised the need to reinvigorate Saarc.
Khalilur welcomed the employment of a significant number of Bangladeshi workers and professionals in the Maldives, while President Muizzu recognised their contribution to the Maldivian economy.
Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Minister of Homeland Security Ali Ihusaan and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Md Nazmul Islam were present at the meeting.
Later, President Muizzu hosted a high tea in honour of the visiting foreign minister, attended by Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, cabinet ministers and senior government officials.
In the evening, Khalilur attended a diplomatic outreach event hosted by Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, where he exchanged views with senior ministers, foreign ambassadors and representatives of international organisations accredited to the Maldives.
