Monday
27th Jul 2026
Dhivehi Edition
Photo: TMJ
Official discussions were held yesterday in Malé between the foreign ministers of Maldives and Bangladesh on establishing a direct shipping connection between the two countries.
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and Maldives Foreign Minister Irthisham Adam participated in the formal talks. According to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the primary objective of the discussions was to further strengthen and expand existing trade relations between the two nations.
The meeting covered cooperation across several sectors, including migration, protection of migrant workers’ rights, tourism, education, health, the blue economy, and maritime transport. The ministers held extensive discussions particularly on safeguarding the rights of the large number of Bangladeshi workers currently employed in the Maldives.
Khalilur Rahman stated that under Bangladesh’s “Bangladesh First” foreign policy, building connections that deliver direct benefits to the people of both countries is of great importance. Views were also exchanged on increasing high-level visits between the two nations.
Trade figures for 2024 show that Bangladesh exported goods worth USD 6.98 million to the Maldives, consisting mainly of medicines and garments. In the same period, the Maldives exported goods valued at USD 3.08 million to Bangladesh, primarily animal feed and agricultural products.
The effort to establish a direct shipping link dates back to an agreement reached in 2021. At that time, both sides agreed to commence direct voyages between Malé and three ports in Bangladesh. However, the arrangement has yet to be implemented in practice. Yesterday’s talks focused on accelerating the operationalisation of this direct shipping service.
Currently, cargo from Bangladesh reaches the Maldives via “sea-to-air” services routed through third countries. Officials believe that a direct shipping line would significantly reduce import costs and enable a substantial expansion of bilateral trade.