Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has met with Frederica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

The meeting took place on Friday during Shahid’s visit to Brussels, after the EU recently lifted the framework for restrictive measures against the Maldives.

In a press release, the European Union statedthat the new Government of the Maldives has demonstrated the commitment to consolidate democracy, ensure good governance and strengthen the rule of law and that Federica Mogherini underlined the EU's readiness to support the Maldives on its path of democracy and socio-economic development.

The High Representative and Minister Shahid agreed to enhance cooperation between Maldives and the EU through yearly meetings at senior officials’ level.

They discussed closer EU-Maldives cooperation in the area of counter-terrorism and security reform, and the upcoming visit to Maldives of the EU Counter-terrorism Coordinator in July.

They discussed global challenges such as climate change and environmental issues, which constitute vital priorities for both the EU and the Maldives, and agreed to step up their cooperation in these areas.

They also agreed on the shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order, benefiting unhindered trade and peaceful coexistence in the Indian Ocean.