Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday arrived in the Maldives on a two-day state visit as the two countries are set to sign multiple agreements aimed at enhancing bilateral ties across the spectrum. Importantly, Hasina will also address the Maldivian Parliament, known as People’s Majlis, on Thursday. 

The visit, which came at the invitation of  Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih, will see two South Asian neighbors signing four memoranda of understandings (MOUs) in the field of taxation, youth and sports development, and health. 

Hasina, who was received by Maldives’ State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel at Velena International Airport in Male, will meet President Solih, former president Mahammed Nashid and senior ministers Thursday. 

 Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momin said four agreements would be signed, including the Avoidance of Double Taxation agreement, one linked to youth and sports, and another linked to the exchange of prison inmates. Both countries will also renew an agreement on training for healthcare workers between both countries.

Dhaka and Male share close bilateral ties. Hasina’s visit came after a series of high-level visits of senior leaders of both countries. Importantly, Bangladesh will also donate 13 military vehicles to the Maldives government. 

Significantly, earlier this month,  Bangladesh Central governor Bank Fazil Kabir had confirmed that Male had sough long-term loans and line of credit from Bangladesh. He also hinted that the government was “positively” considering the request. 

This request came months after Dhaka had extended a similar $250 million line of credit to the Maldives earlier this year. Although no official has yet confirmed it, Hasina is expected to announce another line of credit to Male in this visit. 

(SAM)