Maldives and US discuss boosting defense cooperation

Maldives and the United States have engaged in discussions regarding boosting defense and security cooperation between the two countries.

The discussions took place on Wednesday during a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya and US Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew A. House.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the discussions focused on enhancing Maldives - US cooperation in defense and security, maritime collaboration, other areas of mutual interest.

This year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the US.

The two countries signed a defense cooperation agreement in 2020, under which the US has been helping the Maldives enhance its maritime security capabilities.

This includes supplying equipment and training to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

The US and Maldives had held a joint military training exercise ‘Exercise Flash Metal’ earlier this year, to enhance interoperability, specialized combat capabilities, and maritime security.

Meanwhile, US Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, Sergio Gor had paid a visit to the Maldives back in March, during which he discussed defense and security cooperation during senior Maldivian government officials.