Bangladesh and the Maldives on Thursday emphasized that the two countries can further strengthen cooperation in the health, fisheries and tourism sectors.

Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin requested the consideration of the government of Maldives for recruiting Bangladeshi nurses.

He made the request when High Commissioner of Maldives to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed met the new Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Foreign Secretary expressed hope that the two countries will explore untapped potentials for stronger trade ties and will pursue multi-sectoral cooperation.

The High Commissioner congratulated the Foreign Secretary on assuming his new responsibilities. She also conveyed good wishes from the Foreign Secretary of the Government of Maldives.

The Foreign Secretary welcomed the High Commissioner to Bangladesh and congratulated on her appointment. He also assured her of all cooperation.

He mentioned that Bangladesh attaches high importance to her relations with the Maldives.

He thanked the Government of Maldives for ensuring employment of Bangladeshi workforce in Maldives.

The High Commissioner highlighted Bangladesh as an important regional partner and appreciated the contributions of Bangladeshi migrant workers as instrumental to the development process in the Maldives.

She also informed that the Government of Maldives will soon commence the regularization process for the undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates living in the Maldives.

The High Commissioner thanked the government of Bangladesh for hosting a good number of Maldivian students particularly in medical education.

The Foreign Secretary informed that the government of Bangladesh attaches high importance to SAARC.

Both sides emphasized to work closely at SAARC and other regional and multilateral fora.