DHAKA, March 17, 2021 (BSS) – Foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today urged visiting Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to sign Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Bangladesh for harnessing trade potentials between the two South Asian nations.
Momen made the urge while making a call on Solih at Hotel Intercontinental in the capital, a foreign ministry press release said.
In the meeting, Bangladesh foreign minister also urged the Maldivian president to sign “Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement” with Bangladesh.
Momen laid emphasis on establishing a direct shipping link between Chattogram and Maldivian capital Male to expand further trade, tourism development and people to people contact between the two countries.
Urging Maldives to send more students to Bangladesh for higher studies, the foreign minister said Dhaka is keen to provide skill development trainings to Maldivian nationals.
Momen also called upon Maldives to import readymade garment, processed food, agro products, halal food, jute products, pharmaceuticals and ships from Bangladesh.
The foreign minister expressed his gratitude to Maldivian president to visit here for joining the celebrations of the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh.
Momen stated that President Solih’s presence in the Mujib Year celebrations during such trying times amid COVID-19 pandemic would be an important testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Meanwhile, a separate statement of Maldivian President’s office said during the meeting with Bangladesh foreign minister, Solih noted that his government would ensure the welfare and wellbeing of Bangladeshi citizens residing in Maldives.
The Maldivian president reiterated his commitment to vaccinate all eligible individuals, including all migrant workers in the Maldives free of charge as soon as possible.
President Solih also expressed his gratitude to the Bangladeshi government for continued support extended to Maldives in various areas, including the most recent assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Solih, along with his wife, arrived here this morning on a three-day official tour to be followed by four other heads of the state and the government of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and India on separate schedules.