Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid on Friday, concluded his official visit to Finland.
As I depart Finland, would like to express my gratitude to the Ambassador of Finland to Maldives @HarriKamarainen for his hard work in ensuring that my visit was productive and a success. He has been instrumental in taking Maldives- Finland relations to new heights. pic.twitter.com/imeQX48nZG
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 29, 2019
During the visit, Minister Shahid held a meeting with his Finnish counterpart Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto, during which they confirmed an Air Service Agreement between Maldives and Finland, enabling commercial air transport between the two countries.
Had an excellent discussion with Foreign Minister @Haavisto on enhancing bilateral trade, education cooperation and support for our climate change initiatives. Requested Finland’s assistance to obtain visa free access for Maldivians to EU and tax waiver for our tuna exports to EU pic.twitter.com/jQ2vzYjaZC
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 28, 2019
Moreover, Shahid met with Finland Minister of Education Li Andersson, who expressed Finland’s readiness to work closely in enhancing education cooperation between the countries. The top diplomat noted interest in learning and benefitting from the world-renowned Finnish education model and establishing contacts with academic institutions in Finland.
Held discussions with the Education Minister of Finland @liandersson on enhancing education cooperation between Finland and Maldives and explored opportunities for our young people to benefit from the excellent Finnish education institutions. pic.twitter.com/6DbXnDhXWS
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 29, 2019
The Minister also participated in a roundtable discussion organised by Finland Chamber of Commerce, for the Finnish business community on investing in Maldives, followed by a presentation on 'Investing in the Maldives' by Minister of State for Economic Development Mohamed Iaad Hameed.
My delegation and I met with the business community of Finland at the Finland Chamber of Commerce and invited them to invest in Maldives. Maldives is open for business and we welcome the smart, innovative and sustainable solutions Finland has to offer! pic.twitter.com/jLkgw0b93O
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 29, 2019
Further, Shahid met leading floating solutions provider Marinetek and attended a luncheon hosted by Wärtsilä, a global leader in smart technologies in the marine and energy market.
Had a very good conversation with @wartsilacorp about their engagement with Maldives since the 90’s and focus on clean, renewable energy. Private sector cooperation is an essential component for increased bilateral trade. pic.twitter.com/7fSWtMEX6q
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 29, 2019
I just had a very interesting conversation with three Finnish companies, @EduClusterFin , @UtopiaAnalytics , @MediconsultOy , on the innovative solutions they offer. There is great potential for cooperation with the Finnish private sector in advancing our interests pic.twitter.com/2ZPs7D41ny
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) November 29, 2019
Foreign Minister requested Finland to support Maldives’s bid to obtain visa-free access for Maldivians travelling to EU countries and the exemption of tax for the export of Maldivian tuna to the EU market.F
Shahid is accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Non-Resident Ambassador of Maldives to Finland Ahmed Latheef and Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shiuneen Rasheed.
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