The Chair of the Delegation for Relations with the Countries for South Asia of the European Parliament Jean Lambert has called on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
During the call, the President welcomed Madame Jean and the delegation from the European Union Parliament, and stated that the Maldives and the European Union have a long history of a close and productive partnership over the past 34 years. The President emphasised that the Maldives attaches high importance to its relations with the European Union and conveyed appreciation for the support and cooperation extended by the European Union, especially in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts undertaken by the Maldives.
The call involved discussions on the current political and economic situation in Maldives and other areas of shared interest for the Maldives and the European Union. The President stated that the Government of Maldives remains committed to maintain judicial independence, democracy, rule of law and human rights, and in continuing to cooperate with international partners in upholding the standards of good governance. The President also spoke of the challenges faced at this early stage of democratic transition and the strides the Government has made in overcoming existing challenges and consolidating a smooth-functioning democratic system.
Furthermore, Maldives and the European Union delegation reaffirmed the commitment to continue working together and promote shared values and interests.
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The delegation has also called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim and discussed close cooperation on areas of mutual interest.
Moreover, the delegation of the European Parliament also met with the opposition movement.
The nine-member delegation consisting of three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), officials from the Secretariat of the European Parliament and officials from the Delegation of the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and Maldives.
During the three-day visit, the delegation will meet key figures of the Government of the Maldives and discuss important issues of cooperation between European Union and Maldives, such as environment and climate change, counter terrorism, strengthening democratic framework and strengthening governance.
The delegation will also visit Addu Atoll to see progress of the Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP), which is a project fully funded by European Union, administered by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.