Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated the Government of Maldives is keen to develop closer ties with European Union (EU).
The minister made the statement during the meetings held with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic Tomáš Petříček and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. This is the first time that Minister Shahid has met with both ministers.
In both meetings, Foreign Minister Shahid highlighted the keen interest of the Maldives to develop closer bilateral ties with the European Union, and the countries of the EU, including economic ties and people-to-people contact. In this regard, the minister reiterated the request to facilitate easier visa facilitation for Maldivians travelling to Europe.
Foreign Minister Shahid also conducted a meeting with Secretary General of Commonwealth Patricia Scotland today. During the meeting, the foreign minister thanked the secretary general for the expeditious action on Maldives rejoining Commonwealth and discussed procedures in going forward. On December 23, 2019, Maldives was informed that no member states have objected to the re-admission of Maldives, and invited to submit a formal membership application.
Minister Shahid is in New Delhi, attending the 2020 edition of the Raisina Dialogue, where he will deliver a keynote address on January 15, 2020.