Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has concluded the official programme of her visit to the Maldives.
Prime Minister Hasina arrived in the Maldives on December 22 on a state visit at the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. She was received at Velana International Airport by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As part of the visit, the Government of the Maldives hosted an official welcoming ceremony for Prime Minister Hasina at Republic Square. She was received at the Presidential Jetty in Malé by President Solih.
Following the welcoming courtesies, Prime Minister Hasina was escorted to the President's Office, where she met with President Solih for official talks. After official talks between the two countries, the two leaders presided over a ceremony that saw the exchange of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs). The agreements are an MoU on the Recruitment of Qualified Health Professionals; a Renewal of the MoU in the Areas of Healthcare and Medical Sciences; an MoU on Cooperation in the Areas of Youth and Sports Development; and an Agreement to Eliminate Double Taxation on Income Taxes and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance.
In addition, a symbolic handover of keys to military vehicles donated by Bangladesh to the Maldives also took place at the ceremony between the Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives Major General Abdulla Shamaal, and Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh General S. M. Shafiuddin Ahmed.
Following the exchange of MoUs, the president and prime minister delivered a joint press statement. As such, both leaders noted that their respective countries enjoy a traditionally and historically close relationship and that, as close neighbours, both countries share common attributes through values, faith, and traditions.
Furthermore, Vice President Faisal Naseem paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Hasina at the Hotel Jen. President Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed also hosted a state banquet in honour of Prime Minister Hasina, which saw the conclusion of the official programme of her state visit.
The prime minister will conclude her visit to the Maldives on December 27.