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Bangladesh and the Maldives on Sunday discussed launching a direct shipping link to enhance bilateral trade, maritime connectivity and economic cooperation, as the two countries seek to deepen their longstanding friendly relations.
The issue came up during a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam in Malé, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two ministers reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations and explored ways to expand cooperation in a wide range of sectors, including migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, healthcare, the blue economy and maritime connectivity.
A proposed direct shipping service featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides expressing interest in establishing the route to facilitate trade, reduce transportation costs and improve connectivity between the two South Asian countries.
The ministers also discussed the possibility of exchanging high-level visits to further strengthen political engagement and advance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
During the meeting, Dr Khalilur Rahman reiterated the government’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy and stressed the importance of strengthening people-to-people contacts alongside expanding economic and commercial ties.
Both sides expressed optimism that closer collaboration in trade, connectivity and maritime affairs would open new opportunities for businesses and contribute to stronger regional cooperation.
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.