Discussions Held on Introducing Direct Air Cargo Carriers Between Maldives and Bangladesh

 
Maldives and Bangladesh have made promises to strengthen their commitments to continue the close cooperation in various sectors in an official meeting between the Presidents of both the nations. The meeting which took place on the sidelines of UNGA76 was held in the UN HQ in New York. 
 
His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met with the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina shared the most recent updates on the unprecedented challenges that arose in the face of the COVID19 pandemic. Emphasis was given on the importance of ensuring proper medical care and vaccines for all, including the large number of expatriate communities residing in both countries.  
 
The Government of Bangladesh assisted the Maldives with relief teams deployed at the onset of the pandemic, who contributed majorly to the efforts in combating the virus spread. Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena noted the ramped-up efforts underway in the Maldives to regularize irregular migrant workers from Bangladesh in the Maldives.  
 
President Solih commended on the work done by Bangladesh as the current Chair of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, and raised concern over the urgency to address the issue for the sustainability of the vulnerable ecosystems in both nations. Prime Minister Sheikh Haseena shared confidence for a fruitful outcome of mutual work at the upcoming COP26 in Glasgow this November.  
 
President Solih reiterated the Maldives' support to Bangladesh regarding Rohingya Muslims and noted that the Maldives is committed to continuing working with the Government of Bangladesh and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to seek accountability for the Rohingya people at the International Court of Justice.  
 
Both the President and the Prime Minister discussed exploring new avenues of connectivity as well as trade, commerce and economic diplomacy between the two countries, potentially through launching direct air cargo carriers between the two countries.