Ref: 2024/PR/130
Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer met Deputy Managing Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the European External Action Service Paola Pampaloni today.
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and began with Minister Zameer and Deputy Managing Director Pamapaloni reflecting on the significant developments that have been brought forward through the cooperation between the Maldives and the European Union. In recent years, the Maldives has seen significant progress in climate change resilience, judicial reform, and counterterrorism as a direct result of collaboration with the EU.
Minister Zameer expressed his gratitude to the EU for the comprehensive support initiatives offered for the country’s economy and contributions for climate resilient socioeconomic development in the Maldives. This includes the Financing Agreement signed today that allocates €6.5 million of funds that would be channeled to strengthen the blue economy of Maldives. Minister Zameer further highlighted the interest of the Government of Maldives in being included in the list of countries exempt from Schengen visa requirements.
Minister Zameer was accompanied at the meeting by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya, Secretary Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed, Joint Secretary Shiuneen Rasheed, Senior Under Secretary Hassan Hussain Shihab, Senior Political Director Ahmed Haanee Naeem and Chief Desk Officer, Aminath Shaistha Hamdan Zaki.
Deputy Managing Director Paola Pampaloni is visiting the Maldives to co-chair the Fifth Maldives – European Union Senior Officials Meeting.
ENDS