Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó has declared support for the initiative set to grant visa-free travel for Maldivians into the European Union.

According to the initiative, Maldives will be afforded visa-free travel into the European Union and the Hungarian FM reiterated the country’s satisfaction with the EU’s decision to lift economic sanctions it had imposed on Maldives earlier in 2018, due to deteriorating conditions.

This was done during discussions held with Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid during a meeting on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue 2020 in New Delhi, India.

After the meeting, FM Shahid expressed satisfaction with both countries’ commitment to further strengthen relationship.

While a Schengen Visa Application Center is to be established during March in capital city Malé, the ministry is carrying out a lot of work to resolve challenges facing Maldivians travelling to European countries.

Media reports that Hungary’s Eximbank opened a 30-million-euro credit line to promote the country’s investments in tourism, water management and food safety in Maldives.

Further briefing his negotiating partners on the government’s energy and climate protection strategy in view of the fact that Maldives is particularly in risk of being affected by climate change due to the rise in sea level, the Hungarian Minister offered 15 scholarships for Maldivian students, to attend Hungarian universities.

In 2020, Hungary and Maldives mark 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations.