US keen on growing Maldives partnership on maritime security

The United States has expressed interest in growing its partnership with the Maldives on issues related to maritime security.

The interest was expressed by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a brief statement issued on Saturday congratulating the Maldivian people on the country’s 61st Independence Day.

In his statement, Rubio noted that this year marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between the US and the Maldives.

“…and we look forward to growing our partnership on key issues related to maritime security and preserving a stable Indian Ocean region,” he added.

He concluded his statement by extending best wishes to the Maldivian people on behalf of the US.

Maldives celebrates its Independence Day annually on July 26th, commemorating the day the country gained full independence from the British in 1965.