Maldives has once again reiterated its request to consider granting duty free access to the European Union (EU), for its fisheries products.

Maldives and European Union (EU) concluded a constructive and fruitful Sixth Annual Policy Dialogue on Wednesday and this was among the many topics discussed during the dialogue.

In a joint press release, Maldives and EU revealed that the Sixth Policy Dialogue was held on November 23 and is the first in-person Policy Dialogue held since the COVID-19 pandemic, with some Member States participating virtually in a hybrid format.

Discussions at the dialogue revolved around strengthening partnership at the United Nations, COP27 as well as the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), democracy, governance, strengthening of the justice sector, security cooperation, trade, tourism, investment, finance, economic cooperation, and environment and climate change.

Maldives, EU and Member States shed light on the growing momentum in the relations between the two sides and recalled the successful discussions of the recent Third Maldives – EU Senior Officials meeting held in October this year.

Further, the government of Maldives shared its recent policy priorities and shed light on the significant progress the archipelago nation has achieved in consolidating democracy and ensuring good governance.

The EU and Member States reiterated their commitment to continue supporting the island nation in its efforts to progress accountability and strengthen the justice sector.

The dialogue also saw Maldives expressing appreciation to the EU and the Member States for their commitment to enhancing cooperation in the areas of environmental protection, mitigation and adaptation and applauding the EU for their commitment to increase climate financing towards adaptation measures and expressed appreciation for their efforts at the recent COP27, to increase the availability of climate financing especially to Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Emphasis was also made on the significance of furthering security cooperation especially in counterterrorism, with Maldives briefing on the progress made in implementing the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism.

The island nation also addressed security vulnerabilities and priority areas including maritime safety and security, formulation of strategies and developing capacity of intelligence agencies.

Further, Maldives expressed gratitude for the continuous assistance especially through initiatives such as the CRIMARIO-IORIS programme of the EU.

Reaffirming support to the Maldives in this area, the EU went on to launch its new counter-terrorism project in the Maldives, worth EUR two million.

Th project comes on the margins of the dialogue, focused on criminal justice, law enforcement, maritime security, and prison management.

Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its people and European tourists visiting the Maldives, Maldives acknowledged the significant growth in the tourist arrivals from Europe.

The Sixth Policy Dialogue also saw EU commending the strong economic recovery achieved by the Maldives especially following the impact of the pandemic, with Maldives highlighting potential investment opportunities for European businesses in the Maldives.

The Maldives also expressed interest to promote and strengthen business ties with EU and the Member States through initiatives such as the Second Maldives – EU Business Roundtable and reiterated its interest for the EU to consider granting duty free access for its fisheries products.

The island nation also reiterated its request to obtain Visa-free travel for its citizens to EU member states and welcomed more EU Member States to join the Visa Facilitation Service Centre established in the Maldives in March 2020.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid led the Maldives delegation at the dialogue, which included Minister of Defense and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi, Minister of Home Affairs Sheikh Imran Abdulla, Minister of Finance Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology Aminath Shauna, Secretary of Foreign Relations at the President’s Office Ibrahim Hood, Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed, Deputy Attorney General  Khadeeja Shabeen and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Riyaz Mansoor.

Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Maldives led the EU Heads of Missions including Ambassador of Italy Rita Mannella, Ambassador of Austria Katharina Wieser, Ambassador of Germany Holger Seubert, Ambassador of Netherlands Bonnie Horbach, Ambassador-designate of Spain José María Ridao Domínguez, Ambassador-designate of Sweden Jan Thesleff, Ambassador-designate of the Slovak Republic Robert Maxian, Chargé d'affaires at the Embassy of Romania Victor Chiujdea, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France Aurélien Maillet, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Slovenia Irma Šinkovec, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Czech Republic Kateřina Petersen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Bulgaria Kamen Koutsarov, Counsellor at the Embassy of Denmark Martin Egknud Petersen, Ambassador of Lithuania in India Diana Mickevičienė and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Finland, Tito Gronow.

Prior to the Sixth Policy Dialogue, the EU Heads of Missions paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih where discussions touched down on the strengthening of EU-Maldives partnership in recent years.

The EU delegation also met with Finance Minister Ameer to discuss green financing, and Environment Minister Shauna to discuss cooperation on multilateral forums such as COP27.