Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has announced the decision to facilitate on-arrival visas for Maldivian nationals in the context of the improved situation in the current pandemic. She made the announcement at the joint press statement with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President's Office.
Delivering the joint press statement, both leaders noted the Maldives and Bangladesh enjoy a traditionally and historically close relationship, and that as close neighbours both countries share common attributes through their values, faith, and traditions.
In the statement, Prime Minister Hasina said the Government of Bangladesh will also be issuing long-term student visa facilitation for Maldivian students in Bangladesh. She also said direct air connectivity between the two countries has been enhanced in the hopes of improving people-to-people contact and exchange of tourism cooperation.
Furthermore, President Solih highlighted that interactions between the two countries have heightened over the years, including the exchange of high-level visits during the past year, bringing a sense of renewed dynamism to the Maldives-Bangladesh relations.
The president commended the prime minister, the government, and the people of Bangladesh for the significant progress made in economic, social, and political areas and highlighted efforts that led Bangladesh to qualify to graduate from the United Nations' list of Least Developed Countries to Developing Country status. He also acknowledged the significant contribution to the Maldives from Bangladesh in the areas of health, higher education, human resource development, and defence.
Additionally, President Solih noted the donation of military vehicles, collaboration on the health front, and increased opportunities for higher education, vocational training, and skills development for Maldivian students in Bangladesh, contributing to furthering Maldives-Bangladesh bilateral cooperation.
President Solih and Prime Minister Hasina reaffirmed their commitment to work together at the United Nations and other multilateral fora and expressed their readiness to advance constructive engagement in all spheres.