Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid on Friday met with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini in Brussels, Belgium.
The meeting took place after the EU recently lifted the framework for restrictive measures against Maldives, recognising that the incumbent administration has demonstrated commitment to consolidate democracy, ensure good governance and strengthen the rule of law.
Federica Mogherini underlined the EU's readiness to support Maldives on its path of democracy and socio-economic development. The High Representative and Minister Shahid also agreed to enhance cooperation between Maldives and the EU through yearly meetings at senior officials’ level.
High Representative Mogherini and Minister Shahid furthermore discussed closer EU-Maldives cooperation in the area of counterterrorism and security reform, and looked forward to the upcoming visit to Maldives of EU Counterterrorism Coordinator Gilles De Kerckhove on July 13- 14.
The two high officials discussed global challenges such as climate change and environmental issues, which constitute vital priorities for both the EU and Maldives, and agreed to step up their cooperation in these areas.
Finally, Federica Mogherini and Shahid agreed on the shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order, benefiting unhindered trade and peaceful coexistence in the Indian Ocean and beyond.
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