Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid has expressed gratitude to the European Union (EU) for the generous assistance provided to the Maldives amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The foreign minister made the remarks in a message of felicitations sent to the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, Josep Borrell Fontelles, on the occasion of this year's Europe Day.
In his message, Minister Shahid extended warm greetings to the people, and the member states of the European Union on the occasion of this year’s Europe Day, on behalf of the people and the Government of the Maldives. He noted the partnership between the Maldives and EU has continued to grow 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.
In his message, the foreign minister highlighted the generous assistance by the European Union to the Maldives during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, the minister noted the European Union has contributed USD 3.65 million in support of the Maldives’ tourism sector and to the health sector to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. Additionally, he noted the European Investment Bank has provided the Maldives with USD 24.3 million in support of the Maldives’ Small and Medium Enterprises, a much-needed relief for the Maldivian SMEs in these trying times.
Minister Shahid further stated the Maldives is 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. He noted such an Agreement will undoubtedly elevate the already close relations between the European Union and the Maldives, to new heights. He added 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.