High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini has positively acknowledged the recent democratic strides made by Maldives, adding they have provided a solid foundation on which Maldives and the European Union can renormalize and renew working relationship. Federica Mogherini made the statement during a meeting with President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, held as part of the official visit to Maldives, upon an invitation from Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
During the meeting held at President's Office, Mogherini congratulated President Solih on his electoral victory and the exceptional performance of his party, Maldivian Democratic Party, in the parliamentary elections held last April, which she noted to be free and fair. Both the President and High Representative then discussed the substantive issues on which Maldives and the European Union can constructively engage, highlighting areas such as security cooperation, tourism and environmental preservation among other important spheres.
Additionally, both agreed on the need for institutional strengthening in Maldives to help the country consolidate its democracy. In this regard, the European Union is willing to lend assistance to combat corruption, strengthen the judiciary and undertake other similar measures that will enhance governance, and ensure that the rights stipulated in the constitution are adhered to and protected.
During the call, the president relayed thanks for the 45 million euro loan provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) in July and the grant agreement worth 5 million euros for diesel reduction production, signed between Ministry of Finance and the European Union in the side-lines of the of the Maldives Partnership Forum. In her capacity as the Vice President for the European Commission, Mogherini also spoke positively on the possibility of reducing tariffs for tuna-based products that the Maldives exports to European countries.
Additionally, the president and the high representative also discussed facilitating the possibility of Maldivians being able to travel to European Union countries visa-free, to facilitate people to people contact.
Concluding a highly productive call, the high representative warmly commented on the renewed partnership between the Maldives and the European Union and expressed positive expectation that the partnership will progress from strength to strength in the coming years.
Federica Mogherini also paid separate courtesy calls on Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi.
This is the highest level visit by the leadership of the European Union to the Maldives to date and is reflective of the strengthened ties between both Maldives and the European Union.