The government of Hungary has agreed to support the efforts of the Maldives to reduce tariffs on tuna exports to the European Union (EU) market and obtain visa-free travel for Maldivians to EU member states. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó made the remarks during the official talks held with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid during his official visit to the Maldives on November 9.
In a statement at the joint press conference, Minister Shahid said they exchanged views on several thematic areas including discussions on education, economic cooperation, youth and sports, health, tourism, fisheries and agriculture, and environment and climate change. He thanked Minister Szijjártó’s commitment to supporting the development priorities, especially in the health sector of the Maldives. Minister Shahid noted that they signed several important agreements, including a key agreement on further enhancing mutual collaboration on development priorities. He said the agreement is intended to facilitate cooperation in important areas of development and provide a framework to promote business linkages and improve trade between our countries. He added that a joint commission will also be established under this agreement, to review and discuss ongoing projects and potential cooperation areas. He thanked Minister Szijjártó for his tireless and continuous efforts in supporting the country’s bid to reduce tariffs on tuna exports to the EU market.
Additionally, Minister Shahid provided details on the discussions held with Minister Szijjártó, including the importance of enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting cultural values. He thanked Minister Szijjártó for Hungary’s decision to join the Visa Facilitation Centre established in Male’. He said with Hungary, the Visa Facilitation Centre would now offer visa facilitation services for Maldivians to travel to five different countries in Europe. He thanked Minister Szijjártó for his continuous support for the country’s efforts to obtain visa-free travel for Maldivian nationals to EU member states.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid recalled the generous and timely humanitarian assistance provided by the government of Hungary together with the Honorary Consul of the Maldives in Hungary Radu Morar, and Honorary Consul General of Hungary in the Maldives Mohamed Ali Janah in facilitating a safe passage for Maldivian students to travel out of Ukraine in March this year. He also commended the government of Hungary for its leading role in ensuring necessary humanitarian assistance during the ongoing conflict in Europe.