Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Khalilur Rahman joined the 61st Independence Day celebrations of Maldives in Male as an official guest of honor, reinforcing bilateral relations between the two South Asian nations.

The central Independence Day Parade took place at Male's Republic Square on Sunday, where Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam formally welcomed Dr. Khalilur Rahman upon his arrival, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday morning.

The parade featured a ceremonial march-past and tactical displays by various divisions of the Maldives National Defence Force, highlighting national heritage, discipline, and patriotic pride.

Following the military review, Dr. Khalilur Rahman attended a cultural presentation showcasing Maldivian traditions, with the festivities concluding in an evening fireworks display.

Earlier in his visit, the Bangladeshi foreign minister participated in a tree-planting ceremony at Lonuziyaarai Park in Male, planting a Syzygium campanulatum (Christina) sapling under the "Five Million Trees Project" initiated by Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

Maldivian Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam and Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef accompanied Dr. Khalilur Rahman during the environmental event.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman commended President Muizzu's initiative to expand ecological cover and highlighted Bangladesh's own ongoing afforestation targets.

He noted that the Bangladesh government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is undertaking a nationwide drive to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.

The foreign minister emphasized that these parallel environmental initiatives demonstrate a joint commitment to climate action, environmental sustainability and ecological preservation for future generations.

Dr. Khalilur Rahman also cited the legacy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, referencing his historical initiative to plant extensive groves of Azadirachta indica (neem) trees across the Arafat plains in Saudi Arabia, locally referred to as "Zia Trees."

Dr. Khalilur Rahman traveled to Maldives following an official invitation from the Maldivian government to participate in their 61st Independence Day proceedings as a special guest.