Discussions held on waiving Schengen Visa for Maldivians

The leaders held the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of the ongoing high-level engagements of Representative Curiel who is currently undertaking a visit to Maldives from 5 to 7 December 2022.

During this meeting, Minister Shahid reaffirmed the importance attached by the Maldivian government towards the bilateral relations with Italy, as well as the European Union.

Furthermore, he recognized the contributions made by Italy in kickstarting tourism in Maldives and explored further avenues to expand the partnership between both countries on bilateral and multilateral fronts.

In addition to this, Shahid reiterated the request to waive the Schengen Visa requirement for Maldivians and to waive the tariff imposed on Maldivian fish exports to the Europe.

The minister was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel, Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, Assistant Director Mohamed Shaffau Ibrahim and Assistant Director Aishath Rayahyn at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Representative Curiel was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Italy to Maldives, Rita Giuliana Mannella, and Honorary Consul Representative of Italy in Maldives Giorgia Marazzi.

The delegation met with the Minister of Economic Development, Uz. Fayyaz Ismail earlier the same day and is expected to meet with the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Aminath Shauna, and the Minister of Tourism, Dr. Abdulla Mausoom on Wednesday.