Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel has exchanged views on expanding cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism between Maldives and the European Union with the EU Counter Terrorism Coordinator, Gilles De Kerchove.

This was done during a courtesy call paid on the State Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

The meeting was joined by Foreign Secretary, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Director Shiuneen Rasheed and Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Shujau.

The Counter-Terrorism Coordinator met with key government interlocutors to discuss counter-terrorism challenges and future EU support to combat terrorism in the Maldives during his two-day official visit.

On his first day, Kerchove called on Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed as well.

Coordinator Kerchove paid the visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka in order to show support for the two countries in their respective efforts to step up security and develop exchange of experiences.

Kerchove has been the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator since 2007.

He also teaches European Law at various universities and has published a number of articles and books on European law, human rights, security and counter-terrorism.

Kerchove was accompanied by Ambassador of the European Union Tung-Lai Margue, European Union External Action (EEAS) Head of Counter Terrorism Division John Gatt-Rutter, EEAS Deputy Head of South Asia Division Ivo Schutte and Maldives Political Officer of the EU Delegation Reema Mohamed.

The Counter-Terrorism Coordinator departed from Maldives on Sunday night after concluding his visit.