Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer met with Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director of the Asia and Pacific Department of the European External Action Service, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting marked the signing of a significant financial agreement aimed at enhancing the Maldives’ blue economy.
The discussions commenced with Minister Zameer and Deputy Managing Director Pampaloni reflecting on the substantial developments achieved through the cooperation between the Maldives and the European Union. In recent years, this collaboration has led to notable progress in climate change resilience, judicial reform, and counterterrorism efforts within the Maldives.
Minister Zameer expressed his deep gratitude to the EU for its comprehensive support initiatives, which have significantly contributed to the Maldives’ economic and climate-resilient socio-economic development. A highlight of these initiatives is the newly signed Financing Agreement, which allocates €6.5 million to bolster the Maldives’ blue economy, focusing on the sustainable use and management of ocean resources.
During the meeting, Minister Zameer also emphasised the Maldives’ interest in being included in the list of countries exempt from Schengen visa requirements, signalling a desire to further enhance the bilateral relations with the EU.
The Maldivian delegation at the meeting included 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 currently visiting the Maldives to co-chair the Fifth Maldives–European Union Senior Officials Meeting. This visit underscores the EU’s commitment to continuing its partnership with the Maldives and supporting its development initiatives.
The signing of this financial agreement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the Maldives and the EU, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable development and economic growth.
