Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on Sunday said Bangladesh and the Maldives share a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, climate action and safeguarding the planet for future generations as he attended the 61st Independence Day celebrations of the Republic of Maldives in Malé.

The Foreign Minister was received at the venue by the Foreign Minister of the Maldives Iruthisham Adam, said a ministry release.

The parade featured a ceremonial march-past and impressive displays by various branches of the Maldives National Defence Force, showcasing the country's discipline, heritage, and national pride on the occasion.

Following the parade, Khalilur attended a cultural programme highlighting the traditions and cultural heritage of the Maldives. The Independence Day celebrations concluded with a fireworks display.

Earlier in the day, Khalilur planted a Christina (Syzygium campanulatum) tree at Lonuziyaarai Park in Malé under the 'Five Million Trees Project' launched by the President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Muizzu.

The ceremony was attended by the Foreign Minister of the Maldives Iruthisham Adam, and Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Ali Shareef.

Khalilur appreciated President Muizzu's initiative to expand the country's green cover and noted that the Government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is implementing an initiative to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.

Khalilur also recalled the initiative of the late President Ziaur Rahman to plant large groves of Azadirachta indica trees in the plains of Arafat in Saudi Arabia, which are now popularly known as "Zia Trees."