Bangladesh and the Maldives on Thursday agreed to exchange knowledge in the areas of fisheries and agriculture alongside the exchange of agreements for cooperation in health and sports sectors and avoidance of double taxation.

“Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina) and I (Mohamed Solih) also agreed to exchange knowledge and assistance in the areas of fisheries and agriculture,” said President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in a joint press statement after bilateral talks between the two sides at his office here.

He said they also discussed ways to expand economic and trade cooperation, increased connectivity and tourism between Bangladesh and the Maldives.

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The agreements exchanged today are on Avoidance of Double Taxation; MoU on the Recruitment of Health Professionals; the renewed MoU on collaboration for the improvement of healthcare systems and addressing public health challenges; and the MoU on Cooperation in Youth and Sports Development, will contribute to further advancing our bilateral cooperation, said the Maldivian President.

Maldives seeks on-arrival visa facility

“I also requested Bangladesh to consider reinstating visa on arrival for Maldivians travelling to Bangladesh, as well as long-term student visa for Maldivian students in Bangladesh, based on the close and friendly relations between our two countries,” said President Solih.

He said the Maldives and Bangladesh enjoy a traditionally and historically close relationship. “As close neighbours in the region, we share much in common through our values, faith and traditions. “My government is committed to advancing our relationship even further.”

The Maldivian President thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh for their generous assistance towards our efforts in combating the Covid-19 pandemic, on multiple fronts.

“We acknowledge Bangladesh’s significant contributions to the Maldives in the areas of health, higher education, human resource development and defence,” he said.

He also thanked the Prime Minister for the generous donation of military vehicles gifted on Thursday.

On the health front, in addition to the opportunities to study medicine and internships for Maldivian students, the MoU on Recruitment of Health Professionals will greatly assist them in strengthening the capacity of the health sector, he said.

“We agreed to intensify collaboration through increased opportunities for higher education, vocational training and skills development for Maldivian students in Bangladesh,” said the Maldivian leader.

The Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Income Taxes marks a crucial step forward in promoting economic cooperation. “We look forward to enhancing our interactions on trade and investment,” he said.

President Solih conveyed their gratitude to the important socioeconomic contributions made by Bangladeshi workers in the Maldives.

He also thanked Hasina and the government of Bangladesh for their support to the regularization programme of Bangladeshi workers.

In addition to bilateral issues, both leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. “We concurred that effective multilateralism is key to resolving priority issues of the day, and achieving global peace and security. We remain committed to working together at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

He noted gladly that climate change remains on top of the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s agenda. “In this regard, we agreed to step up our efforts to address the climate emergency,” he said.

Rohingya issue

President Solih conveyed the Maldives' commitment to seek justice for the atrocities committed against the Rohingya people. “We applaud the Bangladesh government and people for their generosity and humanitarianism in providing safety and shelter to the displaced Rohingya community living in Bangladesh,” he said.

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Through SAARC and other platforms, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association, both leaders agreed that terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalization must be addressed to achieve regional security, prosperity, stability and peace.

He thanked the Prime Minister and the government of Bangladesh for their support to the candidature of Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, for the Presidency of the 76th UN General Assembly.

“As candidates for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2023-2025, we agreed to work together and exchange reciprocal support,” he said.

Solih also thanked Hasina for her personal commitment to maintain excellent Maldives-Bangladesh relations.

He said the Maldives commended the Prime Minister, the government and the people of Bangladesh on the significant progress made in economic, social and political areas. “Our warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of Bangladesh on qualifying to graduate from the UN’s list of Least Developed Countries to a developing country,” he said.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the biggest challenge– the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has gravely impacted lives and they agreed that vaccine equity is crucial to end the pandemic.