Maldives has signed an Air Services Agreement with Finland.
The agreement was signed during a meeting held between Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and his Finnish counterpart Pekka Haavisto. The agreement will allow international commercial air transport services between Maldives and Finland, enhancing the people to people contact as well as the broader economic cooperation between both countries.
During the meeting, both foreign ministers discussed on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries in a wide range of areas. Minister Shahid stated the increased engagement between Maldives and Finland is testament to the strengthened bilateral ties between both countries. The minister also commended Foreign Minister Haavisto and the Government of Finland, for the international recognition the country has achieved in the development of a symbolic educational model. Both ministers also reiterated commitment to further strengthen the bilateral partnership between the two countries in areas such as economic and trade cooperation, education, people to people contact, climate change and sustainable development and counter-terrorism.
Noting Finland’s current role as President of the EU Council, Foreign Minister Shahid also acknowledged the pivotal role played by EU in reviving democracy in Maldives and assured the commitment of the government to support the partnership in the future. The minister further requested the support of Finland to support the bid of Maldives to obtain visa free access for Maldivians travelling to EU countries and tax exemption for the export of Maldivian tuna to the EU market.
Minister Shahid was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Non-Resident Ambassador of Maldives to Finland Ahmed Latheef, and Minister of State for Economic Development, Mohamed Iaad Hameed.