Malé: Bangladesh and the Maldives discussed establishing a direct shipping link between the two countries to strengthen bilateral trade, improve maritime connectivity and deepen their longstanding friendly relations.
The issue was discussed during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Maldivian counterpart Iruthisham Adam in Malé, according to a Foreign Ministry press release.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, healthcare, the blue economy and maritime connectivity.
A key focus of the discussions was the proposed direct shipping service, which both sides believe would facilitate trade, reduce transportation time and strengthen economic ties between the two South Asian countries.
The ministers also exchanged views on arranging high-level bilateral visits to further deepen diplomatic engagement and broaden cooperation across sectors.
Reaffirming the government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, Dr Khalilur Rahman stressed the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts and expanding practical cooperation between the two friendly nations.
The meeting reflected the shared commitment of Bangladesh and the Maldives to enhancing bilateral relations through greater connectivity, increased trade and closer collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Maldives’ State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamed Fahmy Hassan and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Dr Md Nazmul Islam were also present during the meeting.
