Maldives and France discuss travel easement, reducing tariffs on fish products

Maldives and France have engaged in discussions regarding easements for Maldivians to travel to Europe and reducing the tariffs placed on Maldivian fish products.

The discussions took place in a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and the French Ambassador to the Maldives Jean-François Pactet.

Pactet called on Zameer at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Male’ on Tuesday.

At the meeting, Zameer and Pactet reflected upon the close and friendly relations between the Maldives and France, and discussed steps to further strengthening the existing cooperation in areas of mutual concern.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Zameer and Pactet exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including economic development, climate change and adaptation, security cooperation, increasing people to people contact, easing travel for Maldivians to travel to Europe, and reducing the tariffs placed on Maldivian fish products.

Discussions also focused on multilateral cooperation between both countries on issues relating to small island developing states, oceans, and biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

At the meeting, Zameer conveyed the readiness of the Maldives to work together with France on shared priorities.

Meanwhile, Pactet assured Zameer of his willingness and commitment to work with Maldivian government to strengthen cooperation between two countries.

Zameer was accompanied in the meeting by Dr. Hala Hameed, Secretary Bilateral, Shiuneen Rasheed, Joint Secretary, and Hassan Hussain Shihab, Senior Under Secretary.