Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has discussed further exploring opportunities to increase access to tuna products in the European market. He held the discussions during a meeting with Paola Pampaloni, the Deputy Managing Director, Asia and the Pacific, of the European External Action Service.
During the meeting, Minister Shahid and Deputy Managing Director Pampaloni reflected on the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and the European Union (EU) and discussed avenues to further strengthen the partnership in areas including democracy consolidation, judicial reform, counter-terrorism, promotion and protection of human rights and environment and climate change.
At the meeting, Minister Shahid expressed appreciation for the continuous support extended by the EU to the Maldives, especially in the economic recovery efforts of the country. Minister Shahid and Deputy Managing Director Pampaloni also agreed to further diversify the engagement between the Maldives and the EU through the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme announced by the EU for 2021-2027. They further explored opportunities to increase access to tuna products from the Maldives to the European market. Minister Shahid also reiterated the government’s interest to be part of the Schengen visa-free regime.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Deputy Managing Director Paola Pampaloni will be co-chairing the Third Maldives–European Union Senior Officials meeting scheduled to be held in the Maldives on October 25.