Bangladesh has laid emphasis on enhancing trade with the Maldives through conclusion of bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and bilateral Investment Protection Agreement. Bangladesh and the Maldives also discussed the possible ways for expansion of the scope for employment of Bangladeshi nationals in Maldives through skill development training and regularization of those who are already staying in Maldives. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Sunday met Vice President of the Maldives Faisal Naseem at the latter’s office in Malé. Read:Hasina for strengthening connectivity with Maldives He also met Minister of Economic Development of the Maldives Ismail Faiyyaz. During the two meetings, they discussed the issues of mutual interest.  During the call on with the Vice President; the Foreign Secretary was accompanied by Ambassador Mashfee Binte Shams, Secretary (East) and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Vice President of the Maldives recalled his recent visit to Bangladesh and thanked Bangladesh Government for arranging a successful visit which has brought out tangible outcomes.  Foreign Secretary Masud  briefed the Vice President about the Foreign Office Consultations successfully completed between him and his Maldivian counterpart.  Both sides underscored the necessity to collaborate with each other on the area of skill development, human resources development, trade, commerce, connectivity and cooperation in tourism. 

Faisal Naseem, Vice President of the Republic of Maldives, is scheduled to arrive here on Monday on a three-day official visit to take forward the bilateral relations and discuss potential areas of cooperation. Cooperation in the areas of health, education, manpower export will be discussed during his visit apart from other bilateral issues. Asked whether the Vice President will meet President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a diplomat told UNB that they are working on it. Read: Bangladesh looks to export resort wear to Maldives The Vice President is likely to have meetings with a number of Ministers, including Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni. Dr Momen will receive the Vice President of the Maldives upon his arrival around 9:15am, said a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Vice President would be accompanied by, among others, two Cabinet Ministers and the Foreign Secretary of the Maldives. Read: Maldives govt comes down heavily on “India Out” slogan, reaffirms ties with Delhi Faisal Naseem was sworn into office on 17 November 2018 for a 5-year term. Earlier, Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih visited Bangladesh in March and joined Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth centenary celebrations and Bangladesh's Golden Jubilee of independence.