The regularization of undocumented Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives is currently the highest priority, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid.

He made this remark during a meeting with High Commissioner of Bangladesh Rear Admiral S M Abul Kalam Azad, NGP, ndc, psc on Monday.

As such, during the meeting both the Maldivian Foreign Minister and Bangladeshi HC agreed that the regularization of undocumented workers is of highest priority and proves to be crucial for ensuring their safety, security as well as the protection of their rights.

At the meeting, FM Shahid and the High Commissioner exchanged views on areas of mutual interest.

FM Shahid , noted that he is keen on working with the Bangladeshi HC to enhance the excellent bilateral relations between Maldives and Bangladesh

He also congratulated the Bangladeshi HC on presenting his Letters of Credence to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and went on to express confidence that the relations between the two countries will be further enhanced during his tenure.

Shedding light on the time-tested close relations between the two countries, FM Shahid extended heartfelt gratitude to the Bangladeshi government for the multiple contributions towards the development of Maldives.

He particularly noted the “generous” assistance extended by Bangladesh to Maldives in combatting the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

FM Shahid also shed light on the “valuable” contributions made by Bangladeshi workers in the socio-economic sector of Maldives.

The meeting also saw the minister recalling the several high-level visits exchanged between the two countries in 2021 and highlighting that the bilateral relations between the two countries have reached “unprecedented” levels.

The Bangladeshi HC, for his part, expressed gratitude to FM Shahid for the warm welcome and offered assurance of his commitment to work closely with the government of Maldives in areas of common interest.

The meeting was also joined by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Joint Secretary Fathimath Ghina and Senior Desk Officer at the ministry, Aishath Leen Fazeeh.