Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman have underscored the urgent need to make the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) more effective and dynamic.
The shared stance on regional cooperation was highlighted during a courtesy meeting in Malé, where Foreign Minister Rahman is visiting as a special guest to attend the Maldives’ 61st Independence Day celebrations.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday (July 26), Foreign Minister Rahman was warmly received upon his arrival at the airport on Saturday afternoon by Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam.
Both leaders expressed immense satisfaction with the existing cordial relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives, emphasizing practical and effective avenues to deepen bilateral engagement for the mutual benefit of their peoples. They also exchanged views on recent regional and international developments.
Foreign Minister Rahman expressed appreciation regarding the employment opportunities for a large number of Bangladeshi workers and professionals in the Maldives. In response, President Muizzu lauded the vital contributions made by Bangladeshi nationals to the Maldivian economy.
The high-level meeting was attended by Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam, Home Minister Ali Ihusan, and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Nazmul Islam.
Following the formal talks, President Mohamed Muizzu hosted an exclusive high-level tea reception in honor of the visiting Bangladeshi Foreign Minister. The event was attended by Maldivian Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latif, cabinet ministers, and senior state officials.
In the evening, Foreign Minister Rahman attended a diplomatic reception hosted by his Maldivian counterpart, Iruthisham Adam, where he interacted with resident ambassadors, international organization representatives, and senior ministers of the island nation.
