Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday met with Ms. Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director, Asia and the Pacific, of the European External Action Service (EEAS).
During the meeting held in Male’, State Minister Khaleel expressed his appreciation to the European Union for their valuable assistance and support extended to the Maldives. He also acknowledged the EU’s crucial role in promoting human rights, good governance, and democratic consolidation, emphasising the longstanding 40-year relationship between the Maldives and the European Union.
Deputy Managing Director Pampolini reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening engagement with the Maldives and their readiness to provide ongoing support and assistance for the country’s development. State Minister Khaleel and Deputy Managing Director Pampaloni further explored avenues of collaboration and discussed the upcoming Fourth Maldives – EU Senior Official Meetings scheduled for June 2023.
The cooperation between the Maldives and the European Union has grown significantly in recent years, encompassing a diverse range of areas such as democratic consolidation, judicial reform, counterterrorism, human rights promotion and protection, and environmental sustainability.