Bangladesh and the Maldives today (Sunday) discussed establishing a direct shipping link between the two countries to boost bilateral trade and connectivity as part of efforts to 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 Mal, BSS reports citing a foreign ministry's press release.
During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers explored ways to further
strengthen Bangladesh-Maldives relations through enhanced cooperation in migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, health, blue economy
and maritime connectivity.
They exchanged views on the proposed direct shipping link, which is expected to facilitate bilateral trade and improve connectivity between the two South Asian nations.
The two sides also discussed possible high-level visits as part of efforts to further deepen bilateral engagement.
Dr Rahman reaffirmed the government's "Bangladesh First" foreign policy and underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between the two friendly countries.
Maldives' State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamed Fahmy Hassan and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Dr Md Nazmul Islam were also present at the meeting.