Bangladesh and the Maldives have reaffirmed their longstanding friendship, underscoring the strong people-to-people ties and close cooperation that have formed the foundation of their bilateral relationship over the years.

During the first official visit of Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman to Malé from July 25 to 27, the two countries reviewed their existing bilateral cooperation and discussed opportunities to further strengthen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including health, education, trade and investment, tourism, labour and human resource development, and cooperation in regional and multilateral fora.

The two countries also exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in support of the mutual interests and prosperity of both nations.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur attended the 61st Independence Day Parade of the Republic of Maldives on Sunday at Republic Square in Malé as the special guest of the Government of Maldives.

He was received at the venue by Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam.

The parade featured a ceremonial march-past and impressive displays by various branches of the Maldives National Defence Force, showcasing the country's discipline, heritage and national pride on the occasion of the 61st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Maldives.

Following the parade, Dr Khalilur attended a vibrant cultural programme highlighting the rich traditions and cultural heritage of the Maldives.

The Independence Day celebrations concluded with a spectacular fireworks display, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

He also planted a Christina (Syzygium campanulatum) tree at Lonuziyaarai Park in Malé under the Five Million Trees Project launched by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The ceremony was attended by Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef.

Dr Khalilur appreciated President Muizzu's initiative to expand the country's green cover and noted that the government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is implementing an initiative to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.

He said the initiatives undertaken by the two leaders reflect the shared commitment of Bangladesh and the Maldives to environmental sustainability, climate action, and safeguarding the planet for future generations.

The Foreign Minister also recalled the initiative of late President Ziaur Rahman to plant large groves of Azadirachta indica trees in the Plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia, which are now popularly known as "Zia Trees."

Dr Khalilur visited the Maldives at the invitation of the Government of Maldives to participate in the celebrations, marking the 61st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Maldives as the special guest.

Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman on Sunday.

During the meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Foreign Minister Iruthisham welcomed Dr Khalilur to the Maldives and thanked him for attending the celebrations marking the 61st anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Maldives as the special guest of the Government of Maldives.

During the meeting, Dr Khalilur announced that the Government of Bangladesh would present 300 kilograms of Khirsapat mangoes to the government of Maldives and donate 20,000 saplings to support the Maldives' "Five Million Trees Programme" as a symbol of the enduring friendship and close partnership between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Iruthisham expressed appreciation for the gesture and said the visit, held in conjunction with the 61st anniversary of the Independence of the Maldives, reflects the enduring partnership between the two countries and provides renewed momentum for expanding bilateral engagement.

Both ministers expressed confidence that the outcome of the visit would help elevate the close and friendly relationship and advance a forward-looking partnership for the mutual benefit of the people of both countries.

Foreign Minister Iruthisham was accompanied at the meeting by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya; Secretary Aminath Shabeena; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamed Fahmy Hassan; Additional Secretary Aminath Abdulla Didi; Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem; and Political Director Mohamed Azkan Ashraf.