European Union's Ambassador to the Maldives, Tung-Lai Margue, has paid a courtesy call on the Foreign Minister, Abdulla Shahid, this morning at the Foreign Ministry.

At the meeting, Minister Shahid highlighted the close relations between the Maldives and European Union, and discussed ways of further strengthening the existing ties between the Maldives and the Union.

Ambassador Margue stated that the European Union will be providing assistance and support to the Maldives on strengthening institutions, countering terrorism and implementing anti-corruption measures in the Maldives.

The two also discussed about the preparations for the upcoming Maldives-EU Policy dialogue, which would contribute to further enhance the relationship between Maldives and the European Union.

Minister Shahid further requested the European Union’s assistance in easing Schengen Visa application process for Maldivians.

Minister Shahid was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed along with Hassan Sobir, who was nominated as the Ambassador of Maldives to Belgium and the Head of Mission of Maldives to the European Union and the Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Shiuneen Rasheed.