European Union (EU)'s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini arrived in Maldives, on Thursday.
The visit is conducted under the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and marks the highest level visit by the EU to date.
Had the pleasure of welcoming High Representative of EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the EU Commission @FedericaMog, the highest level visit to Maldives by EU leadership to date. Her visit is reflective of renewed vigour in Maldives- EU partnership. pic.twitter.com/CkYN2FaecO
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) August 8, 2019
According to the Ministry, it stands testament to strengthened relations between the two partners.
In addition to calling on Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi and addressing the Parliament, High Representative Mogherini held official talks with Minister Shahid, reviewing existing bilateral cooperation programmes and discussed global matters of mutual interest.
"Your engagement against #ClimateChange is a service that not only you do to your people and country, but also to the entire global community, to the whole of humanity and it is a common engagement that we share. This is something that we can only tackle together" @FedericaMog pic.twitter.com/3UmhaQ3Dny
— European External Action Service - EEAS 🇪🇺 (@eu_eeas) August 8, 2019
The minister noted the contributions made by the EU to further sustainable development in the country.
High Representative Mogherini indicated "positive" outcomes as she iterated the EU's readiness to continue supporting Maldives in its efforts to strengthen democracy and further socio-economic development.
In light of the efforts to tackle violent extremism and terrorism, the High Representative announced MVR 43 million in aid to strengthen response capabilities.
Both parties highlighted the importance of working closely on issues pertaining to climate change and environmental degradation.
Additionally, EU signed a Financing Agreement of MVR 85.8 million in June, to assist the implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions.
The state also signed off on a MVR 771.6 million loan from the Europian Investment Bank (EIB)
High Representative reaffirmed the EU's commitment to ensure good governance in the justice sector.
The EU is considering to develop the Parliament through an EU Global Project to Strengthen the Capacity of Parliament and address Maldives' needs in cybersecurity through the EU Cyber Resilience for Development project.
Vice President Mogherini and Minister Shahid agreed to deepen their relations for the EU Strategy on Connecting Europe and Asia, which aims to better connect the continents through transport links, energy networks, digital networks and people-to-people connections.
In order to explore further avenues for enhancing trade and facilitating investments, the Minister reiterated the Government's request to consider duty free access for Maldivian fish products.
At the meeting with the EU High Rep @FedericaMog today, we discussed increasing access for our fish products to the European market and I conveyed our desire to obtain visa free travel to the EU region. I am hopeful that the EU would consider these proposals positively. 🇲🇻🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/GbcXVTieIc
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) August 8, 2019
The European Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström reaffirmed notions of a "Business Roundtable" to be organized in the coming months.
Further, Minister Shahid requested visa-free travel with the view of strengthening existing ties between the EU.
Highlighting the importance of intensifying ongoing cooperation, both parties confirmed the decision to further enhance bilateral relations through annual high-level meetings.
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