Their Excellencies, Maldives’ President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, on Thursday morning delivered a joint press statement at the President’s Office, as part of the Prime Minister’s ongoing state visit to the Maldives.
Both leaders noted that the Maldives and Bangladesh enjoy a traditionally and historically close relationship, and that as close neighbours both countries share common attributes through our values, faith, and traditions. President Solih highlighted that interactions between the two countries have heightened, including the exchange of high-level visits during the past year, bringing a sense of renewed dynamism to the Maldives-Bangladesh relations.
President Solih went on to commend the Prime Minister, the government, and the people of Bangladesh for the significant progress made in economic, social, and political areas and highlighted efforts that led Bangladesh to qualify to graduate from the United Nations’ list of Least Developed Countries to Developing Country status.
Reflecting on the official talks held today, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina noted that direct air connectivity between the two countries has been enhanced in the hopes of improving people-to-people contact and exchange of tourism cooperation. She further announced the Bangladeshi government’s decision to facilitate visas on arrival for Maldivian nationals in the context of the improved situation in the current pandemic and issuing long-term student visa facilitation for Maldivian students in Bangladesh.
Speaking further, President Solih acknowledged Bangladesh’s significant contribution to the Maldives in the areas of health, higher education, human resource development, and defence. He went on to note the donation of military vehicles today, collaboration on the health front, and increased opportunities for higher education, vocational training, and skills development for Maldivian students in Bangladesh. He said they would contribute to furthering Maldives-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation.
President Solih and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reaffirmed their commitment to work together at the United Nations and other multilateral fora and expressed their readiness to advance constructive engagement in all spheres.
