EU delegation meets PPM leadership

The high-level delegation from European Union currently in Maldives has held talks with leaders of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

The meeting took place at PPM headquarters and was attended on behalf of PPM leadership by Secretary-General of PPM Abdulla Khaleel, Deputy Leader of PPM and Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer, Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam and leader of PPM parliamentary group MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik.

PPM reports the main topic of discussion at the meeting was the current political situation in Maldives. No further details are available at this point.

The high-level delegation from EU is headed by Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia Department of the European External Action Service (EEAS). The delegation also includes Head of the EU Delegation to Maldives, Tung-Lai Margue, and the EEAS Head of Division for South Asia, Caroline Vinot.

EU announced in a statement that the delegation will be meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for Environment and Energy, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture, Minister of Defense and National Security, Speaker of People’s Majlis, the Attorney General, and representatives of the main political parties, both from government and opposition, as well as with civil society organizations.

It said the visit reflected the mutual interest for strengthening EU-Maldives dialogue and cooperation. And that the current political situation in Maldives and the upcoming Presidential Election was also in the agenda.

The delegation has already held meetings with former Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom – a key player in the opposition coalition, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of Defense Adam Shareef Umar and Indian Ambassador Akhilesh Mishra.