In a recent high-level engagement on the sidelines of the Global Tourism Forum Annual Meeting 2025, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan, Special Envoy of the President of Maldives and former President of the Republic, held discussions with the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, His Excellency Costas Kadis. The meeting underscored the deepening relationship between the Maldives and the European Union, with a focused agenda on sustainable fisheries and trade cooperation.
Fisheries remain the backbone of the Maldivian economy, accounting for over 98% of the country’s exports and serving as the primary livelihood for thousands of Maldivians across the islands. The Maldives continues to champion pole-and-line fishing methods, globally recognised as one of the most sustainable forms of tuna fishing. During the discussion, Dr Waheed emphasised the importance of preserving fair market access for Maldivian tuna products in Europe and other global markets. He pointed out that ensuring equitable trade conditions is crucial to safeguarding the interests of local fishing communities and maintaining the Maldives’ leadership in sustainable fishing.
Both delegations reaffirmed their shared interest in promoting responsible ocean governance, with a particular emphasis on combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. With the Maldives maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward IUU practices, cooperation with international partners such as the EU plays a vital role in preserving marine biodiversity and enforcing regional fisheries regulations.
The meeting also served as a platform to explore new avenues for collaboration in fisheries monitoring, technology exchange, and capacity-building to support sustainable practices. As the EU remains one of the Maldives’ largest export partners for tuna products—primarily yellowfin and skipjack—the importance of regulatory alignment and mutual recognition of eco-labels and traceability standards was highlighted as essential for long-term growth.
The conversation concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to continue enhancing bilateral relations, reinforcing their long-standing partnership in sustainable development, environmental conservation, and blue economy initiatives. As tourism and fisheries remain the Maldives’ twin economic pillars, such diplomatic engagements demonstrate the nation’s proactive role on the global stage in advocating for environmentally responsible growth and international cooperation.
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