Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific Department at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni and her delegation paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Sunday.
During the meeting held at the President's Office, President Solih expressed gratitude towards the European Union (EU) for its continued support to the country and emphasised that Maldives-EU relations had significantly strengthened under his administration.
President Solih went on to stress the government's enthusiasm to strengthen ties between the two by hosting the first Maldives-EU senior officials’ meeting.
Highlighting certain areas for further collaboration and support, the president expressed interest in negotiating lower tariffs on Maldives’ fish exports and in reforming the country's tax regime.
Furthermore, President Solih and Pampaloni discussed easing visa restrictions on Maldivians travelling to EU countries through the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) Global. The president expressed hopes that more EU member states would partner with VFS Global to secure visa services for Maldivian travellers.
President Solih and Pampaloni also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation with regards to efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
The EEAS Deputy Managing Director highlighted Maldives' progress in 2019 and commended the country's commitment to democratic reform.
Pampaloni assured President Solih of EU’s commitment to continue working closely with the incumbent administration in areas of mutual interest.
The meeting concluded with President Solih and Pampaloni expressing eagerness on increasing partnerships and establishing people-to-people contact between Maldives and EU member countries.
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