FM Attends Maldives' Independence Day Parade as Special Guest

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman attended the Maldives' 61st Independence Day Parade in Malé on Sunday as a special guest of the Maldivian government, reaffirming the close and friendly ties between the two South Asian nations.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam welcomed Dr Rahman upon his arrival at Republic Square, where the parade took place, according to a foreign ministry press release issued on Monday.

The celebrations featured a ceremonial march-past and impressive displays by various branches of the Maldives National Defence Force, highlighting the country's discipline, heritage and national pride as it marked the 61st anniversary of its independence.

Following the parade, Dr Rahman attended a cultural programme showcasing the Maldives' rich traditions and cultural heritage. The day's festivities concluded with a fireworks display.

Earlier in the day, the foreign minister planted a Christina (Syzygium campanulatum) tree at Lonuziyaarai Park in Malé under the "Five Million Trees Project" launched by Maldivian President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The tree-planting ceremony was attended by Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister Ali Shareef.

During the event, Dr Rahman praised President Muizzu's initiative to expand the Maldives' green cover and highlighted Bangladesh's own large-scale afforestation drive. He said the Bangladesh government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.

He noted that the environmental initiatives undertaken by the leaders of both countries reflected their shared commitment to climate action, environmental sustainability and protecting the planet for future generations.

Dr Rahman also recalled the late President Ziaur Rahman's initiative to plant extensive groves of Azadirachta indica trees on the plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia, which have since become widely known as the "Zia Trees."

The foreign minister is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of the Maldivian government to participate in the country's 61st Independence Day celebrations as a special guest.