The Maldives has signed the Samoa Agreement today, ensuring that the terms will not conflict with the Maldivian Constitution.

This milestone follows Parliament's approval of the country's accession to the agreement.

Maldives Ambassador to Belgium, Geela Ali, signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldivian government at a ceremony held at the OACPS office in Brussels.

This marks the first such agreement between the Maldives and the European Union (EU).

The Samoa Agreement, involving the EU, its member states, and OACPS member countries, paves the way for enhanced cooperation between the Maldives and the EU in economic development, sustainable growth, and environmental and climate change initiatives.

Additionally, it will facilitate Maldives' access to EU concessions for OACPS member countries, including duty relief on fish exports to Europe and Shenzhen visa relief.

The agreement outlines a legal framework based on six key areas of EU-OACPS relations for the next 20 years: human rights and democracy, peace and security, development, economic growth, climate change, and migration and mobility.

Covering 79 OACPS countries and 27 EU member states, this agreement is expected to significantly benefit all parties involved.

The OACPS was established in 1975 under the Georgetown Agreement, uniting African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries.

The Maldives became a full member of the OACPS on December 9.