President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Estonia’s Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jonatan Vseviov, engaged in discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties, addressing global climate challenges, advancing digitalisation, and easing European Union market access for Maldivian fisheries.
In the absence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu as part of the President’s ongoing official visit to Estonia.
The discussions focused on enhancing diplomatic relations and exploring areas of mutual collaboration. President Dr Muizzu shared his administration’s vision for the Maldives, emphasising a commitment to digitising public services. He highlighted the potential for cooperation between the Maldives and Estonia, especially in addressing global challenges like climate change and international security. He also expressed eagerness to strengthen bilateral ties and collaborate on international platforms in mutually beneficial areas.
President Dr Muizzu’s leadership and strong stance on climate issues, along with his global advocacy for climate justice, were particularly commended by the Estonian Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Jonatan Vseviov also expressed a willingness to exchange practices and support the Maldives’ developmental goals. In this regard, he highlighted Estonia’s ongoing efforts to implement fundamental energy transformations to combat climate change.
Furthermore, President Dr Muizzu highlighted the challenges faced by the Maldives' fisheries sector in accessing EU markets, despite producing one of the most sustainably sourced fisheries products. In response, the Secretary General assured Estonians will support to ease these challenges within the European Union.
Following the meeting, a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultation between the Maldives and Estonia took place. The MoU was signed by Dr Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, and Jonatan Vseviov, Acting Head of Estonia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This MoU marks a significant step toward deepening Maldives-Estonia relations and fostering collaboration in areas of mutual interest.