High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini has reaffirmed commitment to support the efforts of Maldives to consolidate democracy and ensure good governance, notably in the justice sector and in the fight against corruption. The high representative made the statement at the joint press conference held with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
During the joint press conference, Minister Shahid and High Representative Mogarini underscored the importance of working closely on issues relating to climate change and environmental degradation both bilaterally and at multilateral fora. Foreign Minister Shahid and High Representative Mogherini discussed the European Union Strategy on Connecting Europe and Asia, which aims to better connect Europe and Asia through transport links, energy networks, digital networks and people-to-people connections, and agreed to deepen contacts in this field.
Both the minister and the high representative highlighted European Union and Maldives share an interest in upholding the rules-based international maritime order, benefiting unhindered trade and peaceful coexistence in the Indian Ocean and beyond. The high representative reiterated support to reform Civil Aviation Act and Accident Investigation Act of Maldives, in relevance to the context of the EU-South Asia Aviation Partnership Project, which aims to enhance relations between South Asian and European institutions in the field of civil aviation and improve aviation safety across the entire South Asia region.
Furthermore, Minister Shahid reiterated the request for the European Union to consider granting duty free access for fisheries products from Maldives, following up on his meeting with European Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström. Recalling the importance of fisheries for the Maldivian economy and while noting recent positive steps by the government in its discussions with the commission, High Representative Mogherini underlined the importance for all countries to meet their responsibilities as flag, coastal, port and market states in the fight against IUU fishing.
Further, Minister Shahid requested visa free travel for Maldivian nationals to travel to the member states with the view of strengthening existing ties between Maldives and the European Union, while Mogherini noted the large number of Europeans tourists visiting Maldives and highly commended the warm hospitality accorded to them. Minister Shahid reiterated the desire of Government of Maldives to welcome tourists from all member countries which has contributed immensely to the Maldivian economy.
Minister Shahid and High Representative Mogherini reiterated the importance of intensifying the ongoing cooperation and forging stronger ties between Maldives and the European Union and confirmed the decision to further enhance and structure bilateral ties through yearly meetings at senior official levels.
Moreover, Minister Shahid expressed appreciation for the contribution made by the European Union to the sustainable development of Maldives. High Representative reiterated readiness to continue to support Maldives in its efforts to consolidate democracy and further socio-economic development, as well as in its contributions to addressing global challenges.
In light of the efforts underway in the Maldives to step up and coordinate the prevention of violent extremism and the countering of terrorism, High Representative Mogherini also announced the allocation of 2.5 million euros for the Maldives to strengthen its preparedness and response capabilities.
The visit of the high representative to Maldives is the highest level visit by a European Union official to date, which stands as proof of the intensification of the relations since the Maldives renewed its commitment to consolidate democracy, ensure good governance, and strengthen the rule of law following the election of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in September 2018.