Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday evening warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and expressed his sincere appreciation for the minister's visit to the Maldives as the "special guest" of the government at the 61st Independence Day celebrations.

The Foreign Minister, who is visiting the Maldives from July 25 to 27, paid a courtesy call on President Muizzu at the President's Office.

During the call, discussions focused on ways to further strengthen bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on multilateral cooperation, educational opportunities, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations and enduring friendship between the two countries.

They reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation across areas of mutual interest for the mutual benefit of both countries.

President Muizzu also hosted an evening tea in honour of Dr Khalilur.

The Maldives is celebrating its 61st Independence Day on July 26, commemorating the end of British rule in 1965.

High-profile international delegates, including Saudi Royal Prince Dr Mansour bin Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, as the "guest of honour," arrived in the Maldives to join the national celebrations.

Dr Khalilur arrived in the Maldives via Doha from Manila, the Philippines, a senior official told UNB.

This is the first official visit to the Maldives by Dr Khalilur since assuming office as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh on February 17, 2026.

His visit is seen as a "significant milestone" in further strengthening the longstanding and cordial relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives.

"The visit sets the stage for enhanced cooperation in the years ahead," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives.

Dr Khalilur was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Iruthisham Adam, and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam.

The discussions will focus on further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the Maldives and Bangladesh, reviewing the broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation, and exploring new opportunities to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

The two ministers will also exchange views on regional and international developments and reaffirm their commitment to continued cooperation in regional and multilateral fora.