Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated the Maldives and Bangladesh have affirmed commitment to a new era of bilateral cooperation. He made the remarks while participating as the Chief Guest at the virtual reception held by the High Commission of Bangladesh in the Maldives to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh.
Speaking at the virtual reception, Minister Shahid extended sincere congratulations on behalf of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Government and people of the Maldives to President Md Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Government, the people of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi community in the Maldives on the auspicious occasion of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence as well as the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Minister Shahid noted the unwavering determination and commitment of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to liberate the people of Bangladesh and the courageous example he demonstrated to the entire world as a champion of democracy and human rights.
During his remarks, Minister Shahid emphasised the important progress achieved in the bilateral relationship between Maldives and Bangladesh, noting the high level visits that took place recently, including the state visit by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the invitation of the President of Bangladesh, Md Abdul Hamid. Minister Shahid went onto highlight the strengthened cooperation between the two countries in terms of institutional arrangements as well as in human resource placement, fisheries, health and culture. He stated both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to a new era of cooperation between the two countries.
Delivering his remarks, Minister Shahid also thanked the thousands of migrant workers from Bangladesh who are contributing greatly in various sectors and expressed his appreciation for their input to the economic development of the Maldives. In closing, Minister Shahid thanked the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, for working tirelessly in strengthening and taking the existing cooperation between Maldives and Bangladesh to a much higher level.
Minister Shahid was joined by State Minister Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and Ambassador at Large Ahmed Saleem. The virtual ceremony was attended by diplomats, officials from government institutions and non-governmental organisations, the UN, and the expatriate community of Bangladesh.