On Sunday (June 11), a delegation from the Maldives departed for Brussels, Belgium, to participate in the Fourth Senior Officials’ Meeting between the Maldives and the European Union (EU). The assembly is set to take place on June 13.
The Maldives and the EU utilise these annual meetings to promote transparent and positive interaction, enhancing the already-established bonds of friendship and collaboration. The fourth edition will include discussions on various topics such as developments in the EU and the Maldives, the Post-Cotonou Agreement, governance, democracy, human rights, rule of law, prevention of violent extremism and counterterrorism, economic and trade cooperation, environment and climate change, development cooperation, fisheries, Schengen Visa facilitation, cooperation in the UN, regional developments, and maritime security.
Led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, the Maldives delegation comprises senior officials representing key government departments: Foreign Affairs Ministry, President’s Office, Economic Development Ministry, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Ministry, Environment Climate Change and Technology Ministry, the Maldives Police Service, and the National Counter Terrorism Centre.
Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director of the European External Action Service, will lead the European Union delegation.
During the visit, the Maldives delegation will meet with key officials from various organisations.
The third Senior Officials’ Meeting between the Maldives and the EU took place on October 25, 2022, in Male’.