The Maldives has expressed gratitude to the European Union (EU) for its valuable assistance and support. The remark was made by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel during a meeting with the Deputy Managing Director, Asia and the Pacific, of the European External Action Service Paola Pampaloni.
During the meeting, State Minister Khaleel extended congratulations to the citizens and member states of the EU on the occasion of Europe Day. He also expressed his gratitude to the EU for its valuable assistance and support to the Maldives. He also acknowledged the vital role of the EU in promoting human rights, good governance, and democratic consolidation, and highlighted the 40-year-long relationship with the Maldives.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Managing Director of the European Commission Pampolni expressed the commitment of the EU to deepening its engagement and emphasised the readiness to provide continued support and assistance to the development of the Maldives. She also further explored avenues of collaboration and discussed upcoming Fourth Maldives – EU Senior Official Meetings scheduled to be held in June 2023.
The EU is a key partner to the Maldives, and over the past few years, the scope of cooperation with the Maldives has broadened to encompass a wide range of issues, including democratic consolidation, judicial reform, counterterrorism, and the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as environment and climate change.