Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina arrives in Maldives

Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina arrived in Maldives, at the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

She, along with her delegation arrived at Velena International Airport (VIA) at 15:00 pm on Wednesday via a chartered aircraft of Bangladesh's national airline, Biman Bangladesh. 

They were welcomed by the State Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and other government officials upon arrival. 

President's Office stated that an official welcome for her will be held on Thursday. 

During this trip, the Prime Minister will be calling on state officials including President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed and Chief Justice Uz. Ahmed Muthasim Adnan.

Official talks on strengthening bilateral cooperation between both nations will be held with President Solih. As a token of friendship, Bangladesh will be gifting 13 military vehicles to the Maldives. 

In addition to this, four agreements are set to be signed between both countries during this visit. They include Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, Agreement on the Transfer of Prisoners, Memorandum of Understanding in the areas of Health Care and Medical Sciences between Bangladesh and Maldives and Memorandum of Understanding between Bangladesh and Maldives on Cooperation in the Area of youth and Sports Development.

The existing Memorandum of Understanding on Recruitment of Qualified Health Professionals between Bangladesh and the Maldives will be renewed.

Also on the agenda is an address at the Parliament and a virtual meeting with Bangladeshi citizens residing in Maldives.  

The increase in the number of high-level visits between the Maldives and Bangladesh executed this year has further solidified the ties between the two countries.