Bangladesh and the Maldives have agreed to address and counter the threats posed by organised crimes, piracy, narcotic and human trafficking, through multilateral and regional for a, including Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), in the quest of attaining security, stability and peace in the Indian Ocean region. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President of the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih agreed on the importance of working together bilaterally, regionally and internationally in combating the rising menace of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization, according to a joint communiqué issued on Thursday. Both leaders emphasised that the regional organisations such as South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation has an important role to play in promoting regional cooperation in many areas, particularly in combating the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The Bangladesh side highlighted that the country has assumed the Chairmanship of IORA for the first time, since October 2021 and sought the support of the Maldives for working together towards greater maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region. President Solih congratulated Bangladesh and assured it of Maldives’ cooperation in this regard. Solih thanked Sheikh Hasina for the generous gift of military vehicles, acknowledging the goodwill and friendship extended to the Maldives by the government of Bangladesh. President Solih reaffirmed Maldives’ support to Bangladesh on the issue of the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar nationals.

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. Also read: Hasina for tapping Bangladesh-Maldives’ full trade potentials 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.

Bangladesh and the Maldives have signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation in different areas between the two countries. The MoUs are on recruitment of qualified professionals between the two countries and another on cooperation in the area of Youths and Sports Development. Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque and Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Akhter Hossain signed the agreement on behalf of the Bangladesh side. Read: Hasina for tapping Bangladesh-Maldives’ full trade potentials Besides, an agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income was also signed during the programme.  Chairman of the National Board of Revenue Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem signed the deal on behalf of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih witnessed the signing ceremony.

Bangladesh and the Maldives have underscored the need to have robust maritime and air connectivity between the two countries.

Dhaka and the Male on Thursday signed four instruments to enhance cooperation in different sectors, including fisheries and cultural affairs.