Govt. requests EU to exempt duty from tuna products imported from Maldives

Government of Maldives and the European Union (EU) has discussed exempting import duty from tuna products imported from Maldives to EU nations.

The discussion took place during a meeting between local and EU senior officials at Foreign Ministry of the Maldives on last Tuesday.

A media official of Foreign Ministry told Sun on Thursday that an important meeting was held with EU officials on Tuesday during which enhancing cooperation in different areas and other crucial matters of mutual interest were discussed.

The official detailed that one of the thematic areas of discussion enhancing cooperation in the field of fisheries, particularly against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and sustainable management of fish stocks through the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.

Government of Maldives also requested to the EU to consider granting duty free access for sustainably sourced tuna products from the Maldives, as per the official.

Apart from this, the official from Maldives and EU concurred on the need to enhance security cooperation especially in areas of counterterrorism and preventing violent extremism – agreeing to explore avenues and expand the partnership.

“During this meeting, discussions were also held on facilitating visa free travel for Maldivian nationals to travel to EU Member states,” the official added.

Foreign Ministry states that during this meeting, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid was praised for his work during his tenure as the President of the 76^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.