Discussions have been held on enhancing bilateral ties between the governments of Maldives and the United Kingdom, across several sectors.
The discussions were held between Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Maldives Sheryna Abdul Samad and Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific of United Kingdom of Great Britain, and Northern Ireland Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP.
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
State Minister Sheryna welcomed Minister Trevelyan, who was undertaking her first official visit to the country.
She highlighted that Minister Trevelyan’s visit signifies the importance the government of UK attaches to strengthening the longstanding relations with Maldives.
Highlighting that she wishes to enhance the existing cooperation on several areas of mutual interest, Minister Trevelyan expressed hope to explore further opportunities with the new administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The Maldivian state minister welcomed UK’s decision to pursue a Free Trade Agreement with the Maldives, which will help to reduce the tariff barrier for fish exports to UK from Maldives.
Discussions were also held on holding the second round of strategic dialogue between Maldives and UK in London later in 2024.
In addition to this, discussions touched upon enhancing bilateral relations across multiple sectors, including counterterrorism, maritime security, tourism, higher education, climate change and trade.
Expressing concern on the grave human rights and humanitarian situation in Gaza, Minister Sheryna reiterated the Maldives’ firm call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Upon arrival in the Maldives on May 9, Minister Trevelyan was received by Secretary Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed.
As part of the visit, the minister has so far sat down for talks with Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, Minister of Climate Change, Environment and Energy Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan as well as Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed.
