The new High-Commissioner of Bangladesh to the Maldives, Rear Admiral S.M. Abul Kalam Azad has presented his credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The ceremony was held at the President's Office.
Following the presentation of credentials, President Solih welcomed the ambassador to the Maldives and congratulated him on his appointment. The president expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Government of Bangladesh to the socio-economic development of the Maldives over the years.
The president and the high commissioner discussed ways to further strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation by implementing the new agreements of cooperation signed during the recent high-level visits between the two countries. Other areas of discussion at the meeting included COVID-19 vaccination, capacity building, healthcare development, higher education, and regional and international cooperation on issues of common interest.
The president also highlighted the large population of Bangladesh employees in the Maldives and assured the government's commitment to protect and provide security for all expatriate workers contributing to the country’s economy. The high commissioner thanked the Maldivian government for the assistance provided to the Bangladeshi nationals working in the Maldives during the pandemic and for easing access to vaccination for all without discrimination. He also thanked the Maldivian government for the generous donation of AstraZeneca vaccines extended to the people of Bangladesh.
Concluding the call, the president and the high commissioner expressed their commitment to further strengthen the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two countries.