Maldivian State Minister for Foreign Affairs meets US Assistant Secretary of State

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Ahmed Khaleel has met the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the United States Department of State, Donald Lu, and the Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for South and Central Asia at USAID, Theodora Dell.

The meeting took place during Khaleel’s visit to Washington D. C. on Saturday.

According to the Foreign Ministry, discussions during the meeting with Lu focuses on enhancing the traditionally close bilateral partnership between Maldives and the US, and global matters of mutual interest.

Khaleel and Lu also discussed the establishment of a resident US Embassy in Maldives, as well as expanding cooperation in the fields of education, environment and climate change and economic cooperation.

Meanwhile, during the meeting with Dell, Khaleel noted the significant role played by USAID to improve resilience of individuals and communities in the Maldives.

Khaleel and Dell also reviewed ongoing programs by USAID in the Maldives, and discussed the enhancement of collaboration on development assistance programs funded by USAID.

Khaleel was accompanied in the meetings by Maldivian Ambassador to US, Thilmeeza Hussain, Joint Secretary, Shiuneen Rasheed, Minister – Counsellor at Maldivian Embassy in New York, Hassan Adam and Miuvan Mohamed, Communications Director.