The government of the Maldives has reaffirmed the importance attached by the government of Maldives towards the bilateral relations with Italy, as well as the European Union (EU). The statement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid during his meeting with Dr. Gaetano Castellini Curiel, the Head of Taskforce for Electoral Campaign Bid Committee Expo 2030 Rome. The meeting was held as part of the ongoing high-level engagements of Representative Curiel who is currently undertaking a visit to the Maldives from December 5-7.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Shahid recognised the contributions made by Italy in kickstarting tourism in the Maldives and explored further avenues to expand the partnership between both countries on bilateral and multilateral fronts. He also further reiterated the request to waive the Schengen Visa requirement for Maldivians and to waive the tariff imposed on Maldivian fish exports to Europe.
At the meeting, Minister Shahid was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel. Representative Curiel was accompanied by the Ambassador of Italy to the Maldives Rita Giuliana Mannella, and the Consul Representative of Italy in the Maldives Giorgia Marazzi.
The delegation also met with the Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna, and the Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom.