Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr Khalilur Rahman, has said the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and Bangladesh is founded on the strong people-to-people ties shared by the two countries.
He made the remarks during an official meeting with Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam while visiting the Maldives to participate in events marking the country's 61st Independence Day.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, began with Foreign Minister Iruthisham welcoming Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and thanking him for accepting the Government's invitation to attend the Independence Day celebrations as its special guest.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed the close bilateral relationship between the Maldives and Bangladesh. Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman noted that the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries form the main foundation of their longstanding relationship, while both sides agreed to continue working together to further strengthen those close ties.
The ministers also discussed ways to strengthen existing bilateral relations and expand cooperation into additional areas. These included healthcare, education, trade and investment, tourism, labour, and human resource development.
They further exchanged views on enhancing cooperation at the regional and international levels and discussed opportunities to strengthen collaboration in other areas of mutual interest. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing cooperation in these areas.
During the meeting, Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman announced that the Government of Bangladesh would donate 300 kilograms of Khirsapat mangoes to the Maldivian Government as a symbol of the close friendship and strong partnership between the two countries.
He also announced Bangladesh's donation of 20,000 tree saplings in support of the Maldives' Five Million Trees Programme.
Minister Iruthisham thanked the Government of Bangladesh for the donations and said the visit, held in conjunction with the Maldives' 61st Independence Day celebrations, reflected the close partnership between the two countries.
She said the visit had provided fresh momentum for expanding bilateral relations and would pave the way for the close relationship between the Maldives and Bangladesh to reach new heights. She also expressed confidence that it would lead to future-oriented cooperation that would benefit the people of both countries.