The Maldives and the United States have held discussions on strengthening democracy, defense and security cooperation, economic growth, and climate change adaptation. These discussions took place between Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during Minister Zameer's ongoing visit to the US.
During the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to exploring new avenues to strengthen their partnership, emphasizing the importance of upholding a rules-based international order, regional stability, maritime security, and peace. Secretary Blinken congratulated the Maldives on its successful presidential and parliamentary elections and acknowledged the Maldives’ leadership in combating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
Minister Zameer highlighted the importance of educational opportunities offered by the US and suggested that easier visa facilitation services for Maldivians would enhance cultural exchange, tourism, and business ties between the two nations.
Accompanying Minister Zameer at the meeting were Ambassador of the Maldives to the US Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Secretary for Bilateral Affairs Dr. Hala Hameed, Senior Undersecretary Hassan Hussain Shihab, Counsellor Zeena Didi, and Second Secretary Ibrahim Haail.
Minister Zameer meets with the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇲🇻 (@MoFAmv) June 26, 2024
📃 Press Release | https://t.co/iQFA4n9xJ4 pic.twitter.com/S5E5uaYkG9
During his visit, Minister Zameer met with USAID Administrator Samantha Power to discuss enhancing existing cooperation. He also participated in an interactive discussion at the Council on Foreign Relations and engaged with the Maldivian community in Washington, D.C.
Following his engagements in Washington, D.C., Minister Zameer will travel to New York City to meet with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua. These discussions aim to bolster the Maldives' collaboration with the UN on various global and regional issues. In New York, he will also meet with local tour operators and travel advisors to promote tourism to the Maldives and connect with the Maldivian communities in New York and New Jersey.
Minister Zameer’s official visit to the US, which began on June 24, aims to strengthen the Maldives-US partnership and reaffirm commitment to multilateralism through meetings with senior US government and United Nations officials. He is scheduled to conclude the trip on June 27.
Accompanying Minister Zameer on this official visit are Secretary for Bilateral Affairs Dr. Hala Hameed and Senior Undersecretary Hassan Hussain Shihab.