High-Level Diplomatic Meeting Held Between Maldives and US

Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel met with United States Special Representative for South and Central Asia, Ambassador Sergio Gor, yesterday during the envoy’s official visit to the Maldives.

Ambassador Gor began his regional visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka last Thursday, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the United States. Formal ties between the two countries were established in 1966, with cooperation expanding over the years in areas such as education, security and environmental resilience.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that discussions between Minister Khaleel and Ambassador Gor focused on bilateral relations and areas of mutual interest, although further details were not disclosed.

The U.S. envoy is expected to meet senior leaders in both countries to explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation, particularly in the security and economic sectors.

At a press conference on Monday, questions were raised regarding the timing of the visit amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. President Mohamed Muizzu stated that the government would continue to engage with representatives of all countries except Israel, and affirmed that the Maldives would not permit its territory, airspace or waters to be used for military purposes.

He added that while global conflicts may be discussed during such visits, the Maldives maintains a consistent policy of non-involvement and non-alignment in foreign military operations.