Maldives, EU relationship has “turned a page and started a new chapter”

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the EU Commission, Federica Mogherini said that her visit to Maldives reflects the “intensification” of partnership.

The EU top diplomat who arrived in the Maldives on Thursday said this at a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the evening.

Noting that her official visit “signals the state of partnership” between Maldives and the EU, Federica said that the relationship has “turned a page and started a new chapter” in recent months.

She noted that one of the reasons for this is because Maldives has “renewed its commitment to consolidate democracy."

Further highlighting that the European Union attaches “enormous importance to [Malduves’] commitment to assure good governance and to strengthen rule of law,” Federica noted that the EU has reacted “to these positive developments.”

As such, she noted its decision to lift the framework for restrictive measures against the Maldives in June this year.

EU adopted the framework “for targeted restrictive measures against persons and entities responsible for undermining the rule of law or obstructing an inclusive political solution in the Maldives as well as persons and entities responsible for serious human rights violations” in July 2018; no persons or entities were listed under this.

While this was revoked this June, EU said that the decision was “taken in light of the Council's objectives and of the current situation in the Maldives.”

Also at the press conference, the Italian politician emphasized EU “fully supports further strengthening the Maldives as an inclusive, resilient democracy with independent institutions.”

Ties between Maldives and the European Union weakened during former President Abdulla Yameen’s administration, as with many other international organizations.

The framework threatening action was adopted after months of warning over the deteriorating conditions in the country, including fundamental human rights violations.

A European Union delegation was in the Maldives in April, following the parliamentary elections and said “as steadfast friends of the Maldives, [they] look forward to supporting the country’s efforts towards reform.”

While Maldives also left the Commonwealth during Yameen’s administration, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s government is working to rejoin the organization; which is a campaign pledge of the incumbent president.