Photo : Collected

DHAKA, July 26, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh and the Maldives today discussed 
establishing a direct shipping link between the two countries to boost 
bilateral trade and connectivity as part of efforts to deepen their 
longstanding friendly relations.

The issue was discussed during a bilateral meeting between Foreign Minister 
Dr Khalilur Rahman and his Maldivian counterpart Iruthisham Adam in Mal‚ 
today, said a foreign ministry's press release here. 

During the meeting, the two Foreign Ministers explored ways to further 
strengthen Bangladesh-Maldives relations through enhanced cooperation in 
migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, health, blue economy 
and maritime connectivity.

They exchanged views on the proposed direct shipping link, which is expected 
to facilitate bilateral trade and improve connectivity between the two South 
Asian nations.

The two sides also discussed possible high-level visits as part of efforts to 
further deepen bilateral engagement.

Dr Rahman reaffirmed the government's "Bangladesh First" foreign policy and 
underscored the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between the 
two friendly countries.

Maldives' State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamed Fahmy Hassan and 
Bangladesh High Commissioner to the Maldives Dr Md Nazmul Islam were also 
present at the meeting.