New York, Sept 22 (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today held separate meetings with Bhutanese Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Maldives Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The talks took place at the UN Headquarters in New York as the Prime Minister attended the high-level General Debate of the 81st UNGA, Prime Minister's Assistant Press Secretary KM Nazmul Haque said.

During the meetings, the leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the existing friendly and cordial relations between Bangladesh and the two countries, as well as issues of mutual interest and regional and international cooperation. They also exchanged views on exploring new areas of collaboration to expand bilateral cooperation for the mutual benefit and welfare of the peoples of the respective countries.

Bangladesh and Bhutan share strong bilateral ties, with cooperation spanning trade, connectivity, energy, and regional initiatives. The two countries have been working to expand economic cooperation, including in the areas of hydropower, transit, and tourism. Bhutan was the first country to recognize Bangladesh's independence in 1971.

Bangladesh and Maldives have been strengthening their partnership in recent years, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, human resource development, and climate change. Both countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The Maldives hosts a significant number of Bangladeshi expatriate workers.

The Prime Minister's meetings with the Bhutanese and Maldivian leaders are part of his broader bilateral engagement at the UNGA. He is also scheduled to meet the Crown Prince of Kuwait and the prime ministers of Croatia, Thailand, Pakistan and Haiti, as well as leaders of international organisations, including the UN Secretary-General and the President of the World Bank Group.

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