Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman has concluded his first official visit to the Maldives since taking office, following his participation as a special guest at the country's 61st Independence Day celebrations.
Minister Dr Rahman departed the Maldives on Monday after a visit that highlighted efforts by both countries to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.
During his stay, he paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and held talks with Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in areas including healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism, trade, investment, labour, connectivity and human resource development.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues, reaffirming their commitment to working together in multilateral forums.
Minister Dr Rahman attended several events marking the Maldives' 61st Independence Day, including a diplomatic reception hosted by Foreign Minister Adam and the Independence Day parade at Republic Square.
In a symbolic gesture highlighting environmental cooperation, Dr Rahman joined Foreign Minister Adam and Environment Minister Ali Shareef in planting trees at Lonuziyaaraiy Park as part of the Maldives' Five Million Trees Programme. The ceremony reflected the shared commitment of both countries to climate action and environmental sustainability.
The visit was Dr Rahman's first official trip to the Maldives since assuming office on 17 February 2026 and was aimed at giving fresh momentum to bilateral relations between the two South Asian nations.
He was seen off at Velana International Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Fahmy Hassan and senior officials from the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.