Valletta Mayor Olaf McKay and Honorary Consul of Malta to Bangladesh Shoeb Chowdhury in a meeting on Monday discussed enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries, preserving ancient culture and expanding its reach on the global stage.

The meeting took place in Valletta, the capital of the Mediterranean island nation of Malta, according to a press release.

​Mayor Olaf McKay highlighted how the city of Valletta, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, has preserved its 7,500-year-old historic legacy while transforming into a modern and dynamic European capital city.

He also expressed plans to present Malta's timeless culture and heritage more broadly on global platforms.

​During the meeting, Honorary Consul Shoeb Chowdhury emphasised the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art digital ecosystems in international tourism and cultural exchange.

He proposed leveraging virtual technology and AI so that history enthusiasts and tourists from around the world can easily explore Valletta's heritage.

Shoeb Chowdhury noted, "Through the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence, it is possible to impart a dynamic momentum to the diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between Malta and Bangladesh."

​During the conversation, he extended an official invitation to the Mayor of Valletta to visit Dhaka. The mayor accepted the invitation and expressed his hope to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time.

Executive Secretary of the Valletta Local Council Gabriella Agius and Editor-in-Chief of The Asian Age Dr Jesmin Chowdhury were also present at the meeting.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Olaf McKay presented a special crest of Valletta to Shoeb Chowdhury.