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Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid sends Europe Day greetings

09 May 2022

Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid has sent a message of greetings on the occasion of the Europe Day to His Excellency Josep Borrell Fontelles, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission.

Minister’s message reads as follows:

“On behalf of the Government, the people of the Republic of Maldives, and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm felicitations and good wishes to Your Excellency and the members of the European Union, on the occasion of Europe Day.

The partnership between the Maldives and the European Union has continued to flourish over the past years, notably in the areas of climate change, counter terrorism, judicial and anti-corruption reform, democratic consolidation, and human rights, among others. The generous financial and technical assistance provided to the Maldives by the European Union to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts, stand as a strong testament of the strength of our enduring cooperation.

Furthermore, the European Union remains as an essential trading partner for the Maldives, not only because it is one of the main markets for Maldivian fisheries exports, but because it is also the leading tourism market for Maldives comprising 70 percent of our tourist arrival share.

It is therefore my hope that the strong relations between the Maldives and the European Union will continue to prosper.

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