Ambassador of Maldives to the UK has revealed plans to begin talks towards establishing a free trade agreement with United Kingdom.
In an exclusive phone interview with PSM News Ambassador Shian stated that with UK’s Brexit announcement, Maldives expressed interest to establish a free trade agreement with the country.
UK is among the top source markets in Europe in both tourist arrivals and fisheries product exports. Ambassador Ahmed Shian stated that, extending diplomatic relations which benefit the Maldivian economy is one of the prime focuses of the administration of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. In this regard, Ambassador Shian stated that Maldives has been expressing keen interest in establishing a free trade agreement with UK.
Ambassador Shian highlighted that work is progressing at a fast pace to hold talks between both nations towards achieving this goal. Ambassador Shian added that benefits of the strong bilateral ties with UK have been increasingly evident over the past few years. He noted that the UK is the only nation that provides on arrival visa for 6-month period for Maldivians. He also shed light on the great assistance provided by UK in fields such as aviation and environment protection.
Ambassador Shian said, the current administration aims to make 2018 the most successful year in its term, by introducing various new developmental projects and expanding Maldivian tourism.
Since Maldives attained independence in the year 1965, the United Kingdom has been a strong companion and a supporter to the nation in both bilateral and multilateral arenas. Over the past 50 years of relations, Maldives and UK has extended its scope in fields such as tourism and fisheries.