The European Union has provided grant funding totaling EUR three million to the Maldivian government in its response efforts against the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, sweeping across the globe at a dangerous rate.
In a joint statement released with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, EU welcomed the Maldivian government’s “decisive, transparent and effective reaction” to the outbreak.
The collaborative approach has allowed for the swift and orderly repatriation of the European tourists stranded in the island nation, reads the statement.
As part of its support to efforts around the globe to tackle the pandemic and mitigate its effects, EU will provide EUR one million to the health sector and EUR two million to the tourism industry, which has taken a direct hit upon the emergence of the pandemic.
This, the EU said, is about improving preparedness and response to the pandemic and funding research to support the development of vaccinations and medications to help those affected by the virus. This includes smaller businesses and employees.
Speaking in regard to the generous grant aid by the EU to the Maldives, EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Denis Chaibi stated that the collaborative approach between Maldives and EU is needed now more than ever, in these “unprecedented times”.
Highlighting that this global challenge can only be addressed “together”, Chaibi added that European solidarity are “not empty words”.
He said that this means to work jointly so that the health and tourism sectors of Maldives can benefit from European funding and so that Europeans will be able to return to the Maldives, “faster”.
Moreover, the Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid highlighted that EU’s support is a “clear demonstration” of the reinvigorated bonds of friendship and cooperation between both nations, specifically during such challenging times.
“I thank the EU for this timely assistance, which would help the Maldives in strengthening its health sector and assist in the economic recovery efforts, in particular, in the tourism related sectors.”FM Shahid
The Maldivian government remains in hope to receive greater participation from the EU for Maldives socio-economic recovery plans.
As Covid-19 does not distinguish between borders, joint efforts are required to overcome this pandemic, said Shahid.
