Bangladesh, July 26 -- Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman discussed launching a direct shipping link between Bangladesh and the Maldives with his counterpart Iruthisham Adam in Male.

They met on Sunday on the sidelines of his visit to attend the Maldives' 61st Independence Day celebrations, according to Bangladesh's foreign ministry.

The two sides discussed possible high-level exchanges and establishing direct shipping services to strengthen bilateral trade and connectivity, the ministry said in a statement.

They also explored ways to expand cooperation in migration and expatriate welfare, tourism, education, health, the blue economy, and broader connectivity.

During the meeting, Khalilur reiterated the government's "Bangladesh First" ...