Maldives to reopen Dhaka mission

Maldives has decided to reopen its mission in Dhaka, a year after closing it on account of financial crisis back home.

Its Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon conveyed the decision to Bangladesh’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Monday when they met at Male.

Alam was representing Bangladesh at the golden jubilee celebration of the independence of Maldives.

Bangladesh foreign ministry on Tuesday said the state minister thanked the Maldives government for its decision to re-open the mission.

The island nation closed its high commission in March last year following unprecedented financial crisis that led to cut its annual budget by 40 percent.

During his meeting with the Maldives foreign minister, Alam conveyed greetings from Bangladesh’s President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister for the Maldives government and its people on its 50th Independence Day celebrations.

He stressed on further improving relations.

About 400 foreign dignitaries from different countries attended the Maldives Independence day celebration that began with a grand reception hosted by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

Apart from attending the ceremony, Alam was also engaged with meetings with the Maldivian foreign minister and Japanese vice foreign minister Kazuyuki Nakane.

Maldives is an important partner for Bangladesh as both face similar challenges of climate change.

Bangladesh sends skilled and semi-skilled workers to Maldives as the island nation is heavily dependent on expatriate workforce. At least 70 percent of them are Bangladeshis.

Trade ties, however, remained limited with Bangladesh, mostly exporting beverage and biscuits.

A direct air flight from Dhaka was launched in 2012 has given the bilateral trade a boost.

The state minister, however, stressed on opening direct shipping link and also removal of some trade barriers by the Maldivian government to increase the trade.

He also said that Bangladesh’s large number of skilled and semi-skilled workforce could meet the need of Maldives in different sectors.

The Maldivian foreign minister lauded the contribution of Bangladeshi workforce.

They also expressed satisfaction over the recent signing of the MoU for healthcare and medical  cooperation.

This would facilitate employment of Bangladeshi medical professionals in Maldives, and Maldivian students to study medical and dental science in Bangladesh.

They also discussed on working together in the field of blue economy.