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Foreign Minister Shahid sends Europe Day greetings to EU High Representative

09 May 2021

Minister’s message reads as follows:

"On behalf of the people and the Government of the Maldives and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings to the people, and the member states of the European Union on the occasion of this year’s Europe Day.

As we celebrate 38 years of close relations between the Maldives and the European Union, our partnership has only grown stronger; with collaborations in key areas of mutual interest, such as counter-terrorism, judicial and anti-corruption reform, strengthening democracy, and promotion of human rights. I also note the generous assistance by the European Union to the Maldives during this on-going COVID-19 pandemic. The European Union has contributed EUR 3 million in support of the Maldives’ tourism sector and to the health sector to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Additionally, the European Investment Bank has provided the Maldives with EUR 20 million in support of the Maldives’ Small and Medium Enterprises, a much-needed relief for the Maldivian SMEs in these trying times.

We are also delighted to hear the decision by the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union to launch negotiations on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the Maldives. Such an Agreement will undoubtedly elevate the already close relations between the European Union and the Maldives, to new heights.

These assistance and developments are a testament to the strength, closeness and endurance of the relations between the people and the governments of the Maldives and the members of the European Union. I take this opportunity to thank Your Excellency and the European Union member states for the generous assistance to the Maldives and the close cooperation given to the Maldives at all times.

Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your continued wellbeing and the assurances of my highest consideration.”