Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the EU Commission, is to address the People’s Majlis this week.

Speaker, former President Mohamed Nasheed announced this at Tuesday’s sitting, stating that an invitation has been extended to the EU diplomat.

While she is to address the parliament on Thursday afternoon, the speaker said that this will not be an official sitting.

Government officials, business and resort are to be invited to the event.

Nasheed noted Federica as a key player in ensuring that last year’s presidential election was free and fair.

Federica is an Italian politician who was appointed as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission in November 2014. She served as Italy's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, from February 2014 to October 2014.

While the diplomat is to visit the country, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid met with her this June during an official visit to Belgium.

At the meeting, Federica underlined the EU's readiness to support the Maldives on its path of democracy and socio-economic development.

They also discussed on global challenges such as climate change and environmental issues and agreed “to step up cooperation in these areas.”

The EU’s chief diplomat and Foreign Minister Shahid also agreed “to enhance cooperation between Maldives and the EU through yearly meetings at senior officials’ level”.