Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has participated in the European Union (EU) Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable.

The Maldivian foreign minister joined the roundtable discussions as part of his ongoing official visit to Belgium.

The EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum Roundtable revolved around the theme “Shared prosperity, economic resilience and investments”.

Issues of significance to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were highlighted that the roundtable discussions.

FM Zameer highlighted that as a small island developing state, Maldives faces significant economic, social as well as environmental challenges.

The Maldivian minister went on to state that Maldives is determined to fight the climate crisis and make the country more resilient to external economic shocks.

FM Zameer also stressed on the importance of Europe prioritizing the delivery of mutually beneficial and durable partnerships in digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education, and research.

Minister Zameer went on to shed light on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s commitment and determination to work with the EU to uphold international law and a rules-based international order in the Indian Ocean.

EU Commissioner for Economy Paolo Gentiloni and Deputy Prime Minister of Vanuatu Matai Seremaiah co-chaired the roundtable.

The Maldivian foreign minister departed for Belgium from Velana International Airport (VIA) on January 30.

FM Zameer’s official visit to Belgium carries the purpose of increasing the ongoing engagements with the European Union (EU).

As part of the visit, the foreign minister will be holding meetings with several key senior officials of EU as well as members of the European Parliament.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the engagements will revolve around elevating and strengthening the relations between Maldives and EU.

The island nation enjoys a strong partnership with EU, mainly focusing on addressing common challenges.

According to the ministry, cooperation between Maldives and EU holds massive geopolitical and economic significance.

The Maldivian minister’s ongoing visit marks an important step towards enhancing ties as well as advancing cooperation between Maldives and EU on areas of mutual concern.