Discussions have been held on enhancing the close bilateral relations between Maldives and Bangladesh.

The discussions were held between Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Ambassador Masud Bin Momen, who arrived in the Maldives on an official visit on Friday afternoon.

During the discussions held on Saturday, both foreign secretaries spoke on how the close bilateral ties between both countries may be further strengthened.

Foreign Secretary Momen’s visit comes upon the official invitation of the Maldives foreign secretary and is to hold the first bilateral consultations between the respective foreign ministries, as agreed under the ‘Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of Bilateral Consultations’ that was signed between Maldives and Bangladesh during March this year.

The consultation will see both Foreign Secretaries reviewing bilateral cooperation and progress in the implementation of agreements between both countries, as well as discussions on new areas of cooperation.

As part of the two-day trip he also paid a courtesy call on State Minister Ahmed Khaleel on Saturday.

The meeting saw discussions held on issues of mutual interest and the pair expressed commitment to further enhance bilateral ties.

The Bangladeshi foreign secretary is also scheduled to call on Vice President Faisal Naseem and Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail.

Foreign Secretary Ambassador Momen is accompanied by a high-level delegation including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Expatriates Welfare and Employment and Ministry of Home Affairs of Bangladesh.

Chief of Protocol Aishath Shaan Shakir and Joint Secretary Fathimath Ghina welcomed the delegation at Velana International Airport on Friday.