EU Ambassadors praise democratic reforms and climate change actions

The Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Maldives to Belgium and the European Union, Ali Hussain Didi, has concluded a first series of courtesy visits with his counterparts representing various European Union Member States.

In meetings with the EU representatives, including key countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany and France, the Ambassador-Designate briefed on focus areas such as the move to full democratization and subsequent efforts; the threat of climate change to the Maldives; President Nasheed’s engagement for the country to become carbon neutral by 2010; and the challenges of having graduated from Least Developed Country status in January 2011.

Ambassador-designate Didi added that his key priorities in Brussels would be to encourage greater economic activity and cooperation between the European Union and the Maldives as well as to provide for increased ease of access and movement of people to the EU area. Support for the sustainable and eco friendly nature of the country’s fisheries industry would also receive priority for engagement with the EU. This would be in addition to regular contact on trade, climate change and development issues.

All EU Permanent Representatives were keen to engage on the issues raised. They were fully aware of the carbon neutral pledge in addition to the 2009 underwater cabinet meeting. The move to full democratization also received focus and praise in view of its peaceful conclusion.

Ambassador-Designate Didi pledged that following impending formal presentation of credentials to the European Union authorities more detailed and regular contact with EU representatives would be established.