Yunus Advocates for Stronger Bangladesh-Maldives Relations

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with the Maldives during a meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday, held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York.

The two leaders discussed various avenues for enhancing cooperation, including trade, investment, tourism, the activation of SAARC, climate change research collaboration, and fostering people-to-people interactions.

Professor Yunus highlighted the need for "closer" relations, noting that both nations face significant challenges from climate change.

"Our entire existence is at stake," he stated, referring to the threats posed by the climate crisis.

President Muizzu commended the contributions of Bangladeshi workers in the construction and tourism sectors of the Maldives.

He suggested that both nations could collaborate in areas such as tourism, fisheries, and climate change research, advocating for expanded trade and economic cooperation.

"If our two countries work together, it will benefit both our peoples," President Muizzu remarked.

Professor Yunus expressed his desire to see SAARC activated as a platform for economic cooperation and deeper integration within the South Asian region.

"We should be closer. We must not remain distant," he asserted.