First Maldives–EU Partnership Dialogue focuses on maritime security and broader strategic ties

Maldives and the European Union (EU) have discussed expanding cooperation in maritime security during the first Maldives–EU Partnership Dialogue held on Monday.

The high‑level meeting, co‑chaired by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya and Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for the Asia Region at the European External Action Service, follows years of annual senior‑official consultations between the two sides.

During the dialogue, Maldives and the EU reviewed their partnership across a wide range of shared priorities, including democratic governance, human rights, climate action, maritime and regional security, trade, fisheries, and people‑to‑people ties.

Both sides underscored the importance of upholding democratic principles and fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and the role of civil society. They also exchanged views on political, economic and social developments, with particular emphasis on structural reforms, financial management, anti‑corruption efforts, digital transformation and economic resilience.

Maldives expressed appreciation for the EU’s continued support in strengthening democratic institutions and noted the assistance provided for capacity‑building in maritime security. The two sides discussed avenues to further enhance cooperation in the security sector in the coming years.

Maldives - European Union: Joint Press release on the First Partnership Dialogue

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Trade discussions also took place, with Maldives seeking expanded opportunities for Maldivian fish products in European markets. The talks covered import duties and efforts to attract investment.

The EU and Maldives additionally discussed finalising funding arrangements for a mangrove‑protection initiative, under which an additional four million euros will be allocated to support climate‑resilience efforts.

The EU highlighted the role of the Copernicus satellite system in providing data to Maldives, including for monitoring online activities linked to terrorist and criminal groups.

Maldives reiterated its request to be included in the Schengen visa‑free list.

The dialogue comes as maritime and territorial security issues have gained prominence domestically, following the dispute over territorial waters linked to the Chagos archipelago after the UK transferred the islands to Mauritius. The Maldivian government has rejected the decision and maintains a military presence in the area.