DHAKA : Bangladesh and the Maldives have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening longstanding bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interests including multilateral affairs, education and people-to-people exchanges.

The commitment was reaffirmed as Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman paid a courtesy call on Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu at the President's Office in Malé this evening, according to a message received here. 

President Muizzu warmly welcomed Dr Khalilur and expressed his sincere appreciation for the Foreign Minister's visit to the Maldives as a special guest of the government at celebrations marking the country's 61st Independence Day.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen Bangladesh-Maldives bilateral relations, with particular emphasis on multilateral cooperation, educational opportunities and greater people-to-people exchanges.

They also highlighted the longstanding relations and enduring friendship between Bangladesh and the Maldives.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interests for the mutual benefits of the peoples of the two countries.

Dr Khalilur is visiting the Maldives from July 25 to 27 as a special guest of the Maldivian government to attend the country's Independence Day celebrations.

The Foreign Minister arrived in the Maldives on Saturday, where he was received by Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.