DHAKA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh and the Maldives have held talks to launch a direct shipping route to boost bilateral trade and connectivity, local media reported on Monday.
According to a statement from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and his Maldivian counterpart, Iruthisham Adam, discussed the issue during a bilateral meeting in Male on Sunday.
During the meeting, the two foreign ministers explored ways to further strengthen Bangladesh-Maldives relations through enhanced cooperation in migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, health, blue economy and maritime connectivity.
They exchanged views on the proposed direct shipping link, which is expected to facilitate bilateral trade and connectivity between the South Asian nations.
The two sides also discussed possible high-level visits as part of efforts to further deepen bilateral engagement. ■
