Maldives reopens embassy in Bangladesh

The Maldives has reopened its High Commission in Dhaka, nearly two years after closing it due to financial crisis.

Mohammed Asim has been appointed as High Commissioner.

 

He paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali on Sunday, the foreign ministry said.

 

Ali thanked the Maldives for reopening the mission and hoped this would strengthen the bilateral relations.

 

The Indian Ocean island nation closed its mission in March 2014 following an unprecedented financial crisis that forced it to cut the annual budget by 40 percent.

 

In July last year, its Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon conveyed the decision of reopening to State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam when they had met at Male.

 

Bangladesh sends skilled and semi-skilled workers to the Maldives which is heavily dependent on expatriate workforce.

 

At least 70 percent of them are Bangladeshis.

 

The high commissioner showed interest to take in more workers and doctors. He also sought Bangladesh’s cooperation in higher education and training.

 

The foreign minister expressed interest to work together in the fishing sector.