Maldives and US discuss deepening defense cooperation

Maldives and the United States have engaged in discussions regarding deepening relations between the two countries, including in the area of defense cooperation.

The discussions took place in a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Zameer, who is on a four-day official visit to the US, met with Blinken in Washington DC on Wednesday.

According to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry, the discussions during the meeting centered on deepening relations between Maldives and US,

The discussions between Minister Zameer and Secretary Blinken centered on the deepening relations between Maldives and US, “including in the area of defense and security cooperation, promoting and strengthening democracy, commitment to economic growth and adapting to climate change.”

According to the Foreign Ministry, Maldives and US also reaffirmed their commitment to explore new avenues to strengthen the partnership, and acknowledged the importance of upholding a rules-based international order, and expressed their commitment to regional stability, maritime security and promoting peace.

At the meeting, acknowledged the Maldives’ leadership in the international fora towards combatting climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.

He also congratulated the Maldives on holding successful presidential and parliamentary elections, said the ministry.

Meanwhile, Zameer acknowledged the importance of the educational opportunities offered by the US.

He also noted that easier visa facilitation services for Maldivians would promote people-to-people contact, paving the way to promote cultural exchange, tourism, and business ties between the two countries.

Zameer was accompanied by Maldivian Ambassador to US, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed; Secretary, Bilateral, Dr Hala Hameed; Senior Undersecretary, Hassan Hussain Shihab; Counsellor, Zeena Didi; and Second Secretary, Ibrahim Haail.

Zameer left for Washington on Sunday night, in a visit that the Foreign Ministry said seeks to “further strengthen the Maldives – US partnership and reaffirm commitment to multilateralism.”

He met with Samantha Power, the Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), on Tuesday.

During his time in Washington, Zameer is scheduled to meet other top US government officials, participate in an interactive discussion at the prestigious Council of Foreign Relations, and meet with the Maldivian community residing in Washington.

Zameer will then travel to New York, where he will meet with the UN Secretary General António Guterres and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua.

Zameer is also scheduled to meet with tour operators and travel advisors based in New York, as well as Maldivians residing in New York and New Jersey.