Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has met with EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom today at the European Commission and has explored ways to expand trade relations between Maldives and the European Union. The minister and the commissioner also discussed on the need for greater access to Maldivian tuna at the European market.
Minister Shahid also met with Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director, Asia and Pacific Department, European External Action Service (EEAS). At the meeting held at EEAS, Pampaloni discussed enhancing cooperation with the Maldives and the EU on various fronts, including, good governance, climate change, rule of law, human rights and economic development.
Additionally, Minister Shahid also met with Members of the European Parliament Thomas Zdechovsky, Charles Tannock and Jean Lambert, who is also the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the countries of South Asia. The MEPs congratulated the Government of Maldives for the positive steps taken towards implementing the necessary reforms and expressed continuous support for democracy consolidation in the Maldives.