Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, Dr Khalilur Rahman, departed the Maldives today after concluding his official visit to the country.

Dr Khalilur Rahman visited the Maldives as the Government's Special Guest for the celebrations marking the Maldives' 61st Independence Day. The visit was his first official trip to the Maldives since assuming office on 17 February 2026. His visit also further strengthened the close ties between the Maldives and Bangladesh.

During the visit, Dr Khalilur Rahman paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. He also held official talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Iruthisham Adam, during which the two ministers reaffirmed the longstanding close friendship between the Maldives and Bangladesh. They also discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation into additional areas.

The discussions covered cooperation in healthcare, education, agriculture, connectivity, tourism, labour, trade and investment, human resource development, and people-to-people ties. The two ministers also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest and agreed to continue working closely together in international forums.

As part of the visit, Dr Khalilur Rahman participated in the Government's Five Million Trees Programme, inaugurated by President Dr Muizzu, by planting a tree at Lonuziyaaraiy Park in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy. The tree planting symbolised the importance both countries attach to environmental protection, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and promoting a greener future.

Following the conclusion of the visit, Dr Khalilur Rahman was seen off at Velana International Airport by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohamed Fahumy Hassan and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.