Dhunya: Legal challenges are not unique to Maldives, but faced by EU as well

Issues faced by Maldives with establishment of new laws pertaining to civic and basic freedom is not unique to the country, but faced countries including some European Union countries, said Maldivian Minister for Foreign Affairs Dhunya Maumoon on Wednesday.

She made the statement during her opening address to start official discussions between Maldivian government and EU delegation, at Hotel Jen, Male’.

Dhunya said that discussions would be held between Maldivian government and EU regarding human rights, terrorism and extremism, tourism, as well as Maldivian government’s economic agenda.

She said that Maldivian government was working hard to resolve overcome challenges faced by the country in those areas.

Officials from Maldivian government participating in the discussions – in addition to the Foreign Affairs Minister, includes Legal Affairs Minister of President’s Office – Aishath Azima Shukoor, Tourism Minister – Moosa Zameer, Maldivian Ambassador for India – Ahmed Mohamed, and Maldivian Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Zahiya Zareer.

EU delegation participating in discussions between Maldivian government and EU on May 25, 2016 at Hotel Jen. Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwan

EU delegation includes the organization’s Ambassador to Maldives and Sri Lanka – David Daley, British Ambassador to Maldives and Sri Lanka - James Dauris, and German

Ambassador to Maldives and Sri Lanka – Dr. Jürgen Morhard.

Media was only permitted to cover Dhunya’s opening address. And reporters were immediately sent away as soon as Daley started speaking.

Dhunya said during her opening address that EU countries too faced various challenges – such as religious extremism, refugee crisis, and crimes against Islam.

EU delegation participating in discussions between Maldivian government and EU on May 25, 2016 at Hotel Jen. Sun photo: Yoosuf Sofwan

She said that legal challenges faced by EU countries were similar to those faced by Maldives.

“Debates regarding issues that arise with new civic and basic freedom legislation established in some of your countries are similar to what we face in our country. Maldivian government if fully confident we can overcome these challenges,” said Dhunya.

She said that the relationship between EU and Maldives was important to the government. And that both the parties wanted the same – to establish democracy and peace in the country.

She said that Maldivian government was keen on strengthening investment ties with EU countries. And that the government especially wanted to increase exports, and increase number of tourist arrivals from EU countries.

“Maldivian government wants EU to be its most active partner in establishing democracy in the country,” said Dhunya.