Maldives, Bangladesh review possibility of establishing direct shipping line

The governments of Maldives and Bangladesh have reviewed the possibility of establishing a direct shipping line.

Official discussions were held between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina who is in the Maldives on a State Visit upon the invitation of the Maldivian president.

During the official talks, the leaders spoke extensively on topics including the possibility of establishing a direct shipping line between the two countries.

They also noted with satisfaction that the direct air-connectivity between Maldives and Bangladesh has been enhanced so the commencement of flights by Bangladeshi airlines. She said this during a joint press conference which was followed by the official talks.

Sheikh Hasina noted that the national carrier of Bangladesh is also deliberating on introducing flights in Dhaka-Malé sector.

With this being said, she expressed hopes that this will lead to more enhanced people-to-people contacts and the boosting of exchange of tourism cooperation.

Speaking at the presser, the Bangladeshi PM stressed that one of the top priorities of Bangladesh remains the welfare of the Bangladeshi people. With this, she noted that discussions with the Maldivian president also revolved around the regularization of Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives.

Bangladeshi PM Hasina arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday and was received by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel. She was officially welcomed by the president at the Presidential Jetty during a ceremony on Thursday morning.

PM Hasina will conclude her visit to Maldives on December 27.