Maldives and the European Union (EU) has agreed to enhance cooperation through yearly meetings at senior officials’ level. The decision was made during a meeting between the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Federica and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid. The meeting took place in Brussels after the EU recently lifted the framework for restrictive measures against Maldives.
The new Government of the Maldives has demonstrated a welcome commitment to consolidate democracy, ensure good governance and strengthen the rule of law. Federica Mogherini underlined the EU's readiness to support the Maldives on its path of democracy and socio-economic development.
High Representative Mogherini and Minister Shahid furthermore discussed closer EU-Maldives cooperation in the area of counterterrorism and security reform and looked forward to the upcoming visit to Maldives of EU Counterterrorism Coordinator Gilles De Kerckhove on July 13-14. They discussed global challenges such as climate change and environmental issues, which constitute vital priorities for both the EU and the Maldives, and agreed to step up their cooperation in these areas.
Finally, Mogherini and Shahid agreed on the shared interest in upholding the rules-based international order, benefiting unhindered trade and peaceful coexistence in the Indian Ocean and beyond.