The Foreign Ministries of Maldives and Germany have discussed the establishment of a permanent office in the Maldives to issue Schengen Visa.
Schengen Visa is necessary to travel to countries within the European Union.
The Foreign Ministry revealed that discussion took place between Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and his German counterpart, Minister Heiko Maas during his trip to Berlin for the 5th Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue.
During the meeting, the two ministers spoke on ways to strengthen the bilateral relations between both countries. Minister Shahid acknowledged and thanked the European Union and Germany for their assistance in transitioning the government after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih won the 2018 presidential election.
Maldivian ambassador to Germany Ahmed Latheef, Deputy Ambassador Mohamed Jinah, Minister's counselor Shiruzimath Sameer took part in the meeting.
This January, arrangements were made to issue Schengen visa in the Maldives. Maldivians usually have to travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka to obtain Schengen visa. However, EU officials visit the Maldives from time to time to issue the visa in Maldives. Many Maldivian students study abroad in EU countries, while Maldivians frequently visit to EU countries on holiday.
Photo: Foreign Ministry
