State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed on Wednesday underscored the importance of increased exchanges of business delegations between Bangladesh and the Maldives and welcomed the recent resumption of direct Malé–Dhaka flights by ‘Maldivian’, the national carrier of the Maldives.

High Commissioner of the Maldives to Bangladesh Shiuneen Rasheed met the State Minister for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and discussed issues of mutual interest.

The High Commissioner congratulated the State Minister on her assumption of the office.

The State Minister expressed appreciation for the participation of the President and the Foreign Minister of the Maldives in the swearing-in ceremony of the new government, as well as the participation of the Minister for Higher Education, Labour and Skill Development of the Maldives at the State Funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, both sides emphasized the importance of further strengthening bilateral cooperation in different areas including trade, health, education, connectivity and to unlock the vast untapped potential that exists between the two countries.

The High Commissioner appreciated the contributions of Bangladeshi migrant workers to the socio-economic development of the Maldives.

The State Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the government of the Maldives for extending employment opportunities to Bangladeshi workforce and requested the Maldives to consider recruiting more skilled and semi-skilled workers from Bangladesh.

The High Commissioner conveyed the interest of the Maldives in recruiting healthcare workers from Bangladesh.

The State Minister expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Government of Maldives on the Rohingya issue.

The State Minister conveyed the government of Bangladesh’s commitment to revitalizing SAARC, with both sides emphasising the importance of strengthening regional cooperation.