The governments of Maldives and Bangladesh remain committed to a new era of cooperation, says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid.

He made these remarks during a virtual reception hosted by the High Commission of Bangladesh in the Maldives on Sunday, in commemoration of the country’s 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh.

FM Shahid, who honored the receptions by his presence as Chief Guest, stated that thousands of migrant workers from Bangladesh contribute greatly in various sectors, in light of which he expressed gratitude for their contribution to the Maldives’ economic development.

During the virtual reception the minister shed light on the important progress achieved in the bilateral relationship between both countries and reaffirmed commitment to a new era of cooperation between both countries.

Highlighting that the cooperation between Maldives and Bangladesh has strengthened in terms of institutional arrangements alongside human resource placement, fisheries, culture and health, FM Shahid shed light on the high-level state visit President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and a Maldivian delegation undertook to Bangladesh recently, where a number of important discussions were held alongside the signing of four key agreements. The visit took place upon the official invitation from Bangladeshi President Md Abdul Hamid.

Further, the Maldivian minister expressed gratitude to the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Maldives, Mohammad Nazmul Hassan for his tireless efforts to strengthen existing ties as well as to take the existing cooperation between both countries to new heights.

Extending felicitations of the occasion in celebration on behalf of the president, government and people of Maldives to President Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government, people of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi community residing in Maldives, FM Shahid also touched down on the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

FM Shahid stated that Mujibur Rahman was determined and committed to liberate the Bangladeshi people, highlighting that he showed courage as a champion of democracy and human rights.

State Minister Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and Ambassador at Large Ahmed Saleem joined FM Shahid during the reception, which was also attended by diplomats, officials from government institutions and NGOs, the UN as well as the expatriate community of Bangladesh.