Maldives and US Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The Maldives and the United States discussed deepening bilateral relations, focusing on defence and security cooperation, promoting democracy, and addressing climate change.
The talks took place today during a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington, DC.
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Foreign Minister Zameer, who is on a four-day official visit to the United States, met with Secretary Blinken to discuss a range of issues aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two nations. According to a statement released by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry, the discussions included enhancing defence and security cooperation, promoting and strengthening democratic governance, fostering economic growth, and adapting to climate change.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to exploring new avenues for cooperation and highlighted the importance of upholding a rules-based international order. They also emphasised their dedication to regional stability, maritime security, and the promotion of peace.
During the meeting, Secretary Blinken acknowledged the Maldives’ leadership in international efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. He also congratulated the Maldives on the successful conduct of recent presidential and parliamentary elections.
Foreign Minister Zameer expressed his appreciation for the educational opportunities offered by the United States and highlighted the potential benefits of easier visa facilitation services for Maldivian citizens. He noted that such measures would enhance people-to-people contact and promote cultural exchange, tourism, and business ties between the two countries.
Accompanying Foreign Minister Zameer were Maldivian Ambassador to the US Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Secretary of Bilateral Affairs Dr Hala Hameed, Senior Undersecretary Hassan Hussain Shihab, Counsellor Zeena Didi, and Second Secretary Ibrahim Haail.
The Maldivian Foreign Ministry stated that the visit aims to further strengthen the Maldives-US partnership and reaffirm the Maldives’ commitment to multilateralism. As part of his visit, Foreign Minister Zameer met with Samantha Power, Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), on Tuesday.
In addition to his meetings in Washington, Zameer is scheduled to participate in an interactive discussion at the Council of Foreign Relations and engage with the Maldivian community residing in Washington. He will then travel to New York to meet with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua. Zameer is also set to meet with tour operators, travel advisors, and Maldivians living in New York and New Jersey.
This visit underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral relations between the Maldives and the United States, focusing on key areas of mutual interest and cooperation.
