Deputy Managing Director for Asia Department of the European External Action Service (EEAS) Paola Pampaloni and the delegation from the European Union (EU) met with foreign minister Dr. Mohamed Asim on Sunday morning.

The high-level delegation- consisting of Pampaloni, Head of the EU Delegation to the Maldives Tung-Lai Margue, and the EEAS Head of Division for South Asia Caroline Vinot- arrived in the Maldives on Saturday, and will conclude their visit on Monday.

They met with the Minister at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and discussed “on ways of further enhancing cooperation with the Maldives and the European Union on various sectors”.

“Discussions were also focused on key thematic areas such as countering terrorism and violent extremism, climate change, environmental protection, and strengthening regional cooperation, as well as other important issues of mutual interest,” said the ministry.

It further said that Minister Asim had also hosted a luncheon in their honour.

Foreign Secretary Ahmed Sareer, Secretary Bilateral Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Fazeel Najeeb, Ambassador of Maldives to the European Union Ahmed Shiaan, and Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shiuneen Rasheed, took part in the meeting.

The delegation met with former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on Saturday, who thanked them “for their keen interest in [Maldives’] welfare”.

“Discussed with them today our concerns over the current political situation & the crucial need for a free fair & transparent presidential election this year,” he added.

The EU delegation will head to Colombo, Sri Lanka from Maldives, where they are to meet with members of the joint opposition.