Foreign Minister Mohamed Asim has commended the value the European Union (EU) places on its relations with the Maldives and thanked the organization for it.

He said this at the Third Policy Dialogue between the government and the EU held at Bandos Island Resort on Wednesday.

In a statement after the meeting, the Foreign Ministry released a report thanking the EU for its support in climate change adaptation, strengthening the justice sector, in countering terrorism and violent extremism.

“The Minister also stressed that it should also be a platform to exchange views on issues of common concern such as the growing trends of intolerance and islamophobia in Europe, the increasing anti-Muslim remarks in public discourse by far-right and even mainstream political leaders, and the marked increase in hate crimes throughout Europe” the statement further said.

The EU’s delegation includes representatives from nine member nations, led by Tung-Lai Margue, the EU ambassador to the Maldives.

Led by Minister Asim, Maldivian Attorney General Mohamed Anil, Minister of Legal Affairs Azima Shakoor, Fisheries Minister Mohamed Shainee, and the Environment Minister Toriq Ibrahim had represented the state at the meeting.