Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid sends Europe Day greetings

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid sends Europe Day greetings Image 1

 

09 May 2023

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 and the People of the Maldives and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings to the member states and the People of the European Union on the joyous occasion of Europe Day 2023.

Today, as we celebrate Europe Day, this year, we also celebrate 40 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties with the European Union. I am particularly pleased that the Maldives and the EU have been working closely under the EU's new Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This demonstrates the EU's recognition of the important role that the Maldives can play in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The EU’s dedication of 12 million Euros under the Multi Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) to the Maldives through the envelope for 2021-2027 and the generous financial and technical assistance provided to the Maldives to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts stands as a testament to our close partnership.

As we look to the future, I would like to reiterate our eagerness to further enhance and strengthen our ongoing collaborations with the EU. This keenness for enhanced dialogue and cooperation with the EU is reflected in the 6 Policy Dialogues and 3 Senior Official Meetings we have convened so far.

On this joyous occasion, once again, I congratulate our European partners on the success of the Schuman Declaration signed 73 years ago, laying the foundation for the European Union. We look forward to a long future of harmonious cooperation with you.

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