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Maldives and EU discuss collaborative efforts in current situation

The Maldives and the European Union (EU) have held discussions on collaborative efforts in the current situation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The discussions were held over a telephone conversation between Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles. During the conversation, the foreign minister highlighted on the reinvigorated Maldives-EU partnership, and expressed appreciation for the continued assistance to the government of Maldives by the EU in its efforts to combat the global COVID-19 pandemic. He particularly noted the recent 3 million euros grant assistance from the EU and the additional support that would be extended through the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The high representative expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with the Maldivian government on global challenges such as climate change, counter-terrorism and democracy consolidation, and commended the Maldives for the progress made on these key issues. Foreign Minister Shahid and High Representative Borrell reaffirmed their commitment to continue working together on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual importance, to further strengthen the ongoing partnership.