The Maldives has asked for ease in obtaining a visa for travel to all European Union (EU) countries -- the Schengen Visa.
Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid made the request to the Head of Taskforce for Electoral Campaign Bid Committee Expo 2030 Rome, Dr. Gaetano Castellini Curiel, at a meeting at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The meeting was held as part of the ongoing high-level engagements of Representative Curiel, who is currently undertaking a visit to the Maldives from 5 to December 7, 2022.
During the meeting, Minister Shahid also reiterated the Maldives government's request to waive the tariff imposed on Maldivian fish exports to Europe. He also discussed ways to strengthen relations between the Maldives and EU countries, attaching great importance to establishing close relations between Italy and the Maldives.
Gaetano will meet Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, Environment Minister Aiminath Shauna, and Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom.
The government is working hard to strengthen relations between the EU countries and the Maldives. One of the highlights this year was the specific assistance to the Maldives being included in the EU's seven-year budget cycle. The European Investment Bank has also provided €40 million in assistance to the Maldives this year.
Photo: The Foreign Ministry
