Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, has invited more members of the European Union to partner with VFS Global and provide visa services in the Maldives.
In his message on the occasion of Europe Day on Thursday, the Maldivian foreign minister extended his warmest greetings on behalf of the government and the people of the Maldives to the Member States and the people of the European Union.
Highlighting that EU has remained a close friend and development partner to the Maldives over the years, PGA Shahid “happily” noted that these relations have been elevated under the current administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
PGA Shahid welcomed the ongoing cooperation between the Maldives and the European Union in several key areas including counterterrorism, judicial and anti-corruption reform, democracy consolidation and human rights, among many others.
With this being said, the PGA noted that the strengthened bonds are mirrored by the increasing frequency and cooperation initiatives, high-level visits and by the establishment of regular dialogue mechanisms between Maldives and EU.
As such, he noted that EU has not only generously provided funds to the Maldives on key policy areas over the recent years but also provided “invaluable” assistance to the Maldives to help better manage Covid-19 and its economic impacts.
In this regard, I think the European Union for the grant funding of € one million for the health sector and the € two million they provided to our tourism industry. This allowed us to combat the pandemic while reviving our economy and providing much needed support to SMEs. I further expressed gratitude for the € 40 million assistance from the European Investment Bank to support the Maldives economic resilience.”Abdulla Shahid, PGA.
The PGA went on to express delight over the recent announcement of the EU’s multiannual indicative programme for the Maldives for the period 2021 to 2027, which is the first-ever dedicated envelope to the Maldives in the EU’s seven-year budgeting cycle.
Shahid expressed confidence that the programme will help realize the government's priorities in terms of economic diversification and building resilience.
Further, he highlighted that EU is a significant trade partner to the Maldives and remains one of the largest markets to Maldivian fisheries exports, expressing confidence that the tariff levied on Maldivian fisheries exports to the EU member countries will soon be waived, in recognition of the enhanced relations and shared commitment to sustainable fisheries.
Noting that Europe is also the leading tourist market in the Maldives currently, PGA Shahid enthusiastically noted that Maldives has welcomed 350,000 European tourists so far in 2022, who comprise 70 percent of the total tourist arrivals.
Travel between the EU and the Maldives has also greatly benefited by the opening of the VFS Visa Facilitation Center in Malé in March 2020. This has streamlined the process for Maldivians wishing to obtain Schengen visa to travel to Europe.”Abdulla Shahid, PGA.
PGA Shahid also expressed gratitude to the governments of Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and Italy for joining VFS office in facilitating this service and invited more members of EU to partner with VFS Global and provide visa services in the Maldives.
The Maldivian foreign minister also urged the people to remain hopeful that the country will soon be able to obtain visa free travel to member countries of the EU as friendly ties grow.
He concluded his message by expressing sincere appreciation to Joseph Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Denis Jarba, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Maldives as well as EU Member States for their continued support and assistance towards the Maldives.
PGA Shahid expressed keen interest to continue working together to solidify close ties and work towards achieving common goals.
