The Fifth Senior Officials Meeting between the Maldives and the European Union (EU) took place in Malé, focusing on strengthening and deepening their cooperation rooted in shared values and commitment to international law. Key topics included democratic reforms, green transition, climate change, good governance, human rights, and security.
During the meeting, the EU congratulated the Maldives on the successful Presidential and Parliamentary elections held in September 2023 and April 2024, respectively. The Maldives expressed gratitude for the EU's Election Observation Mission and committed to further implementing its recommendations to strengthen the electoral process.
According to the Foreign Ministry, discussions between the Maldives and the EU highlighted the Maldives’ progress towards signing and ratifying the Samoa Agreement, enhancing relations with the EU, and paving the way for negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement for tariff-free access to the EU market. The Maldives detailed ongoing initiatives to improve governance, economic resilience, and human rights protections, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The Maldives thanked the EU for its support through the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027, including the “Accountability and Integrity Matters – AIM Project” and the “Improved Biodiversity Management to support a Blue Economy” financing agreement. The Maldives also sought further support for waste management and renewable energy projects under the Global Gateway strategy.
Both parties addressed the urgent need for climate action and increased climate financing, reaffirming their commitment to multilateral cooperation. They also discussed enhancing security cooperation, including maritime security, and the Maldives reiterated its request for visa-free travel to EU member states. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya and Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific at the European External Action Service, Paola Pampaloni.
During the meeting, the EU congratulated the Maldives on the successful Presidential and Parliamentary elections held in September 2023 and April 2024, respectively. The Maldives expressed gratitude for the EU's Election Observation Mission and committed to further implementing its recommendations to strengthen the electoral process.
According to the Foreign Ministry, discussions between the Maldives and the EU highlighted the Maldives’ progress towards signing and ratifying the Samoa Agreement, enhancing relations with the EU, and paving the way for negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement for tariff-free access to the EU market. The Maldives detailed ongoing initiatives to improve governance, economic resilience, and human rights protections, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The Maldives thanked the EU for its support through the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027, including the “Accountability and Integrity Matters – AIM Project” and the “Improved Biodiversity Management to support a Blue Economy” financing agreement. The Maldives also sought further support for waste management and renewable energy projects under the Global Gateway strategy.
Both parties addressed the urgent need for climate action and increased climate financing, reaffirming their commitment to multilateral cooperation. They also discussed enhancing security cooperation, including maritime security, and the Maldives reiterated its request for visa-free travel to EU member states. The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya and Deputy Managing Director for Asia and Pacific at the European External Action Service, Paola Pampaloni.
