Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has met with the Managing Director of Asia and the Pacific for the European External Action Service, Paola Pampaloni.

The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and saw FM Shahid and Pampaloni shedding light on the longstanding relationship between the Maldives and the European Union.

Discussions at the meeting revolved around avenues to further strengthen the partnership in areas including democracy consolidation, judicial reform, counterterrorism, promotion and protection of human rights and environment and climate change.

Expressing appreciation for the continuous support extended by EU to Maldives particularly in the economic recovery efforts of the country, FM Shahid reiterated the interest of the Maldivian government, to be part of the Schengen visa free regime.

The pair further agreed to diversify the engagement between the Maldives and EU through the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme announced by EU for 2021-2027.

FM Shahid and Pampaloni went on to explore opportunities to increase access of tuna products from the Maldives to the European market.

The meeting was joined by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Secretary Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed and Joint Secretary Shiuneen Rasheed.

State Minister Khaleel and Pampaloni will co-chair the third Maldives – European Union senior officials meeting, scheduled to be held in the Maldives on October 25.