Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has met with the U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer in Washington, D.C. to discuss the shared security challenges and explore ways to further enhance security cooperation between the Maldives and the U.S.
During the meeting held on Wednesday, they emphasised the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries and expressed satisfaction with the progress and growth achieved in existing security cooperation, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Minister Shahid and Deputy National Security Advisor Finer stressed the importance of maintaining ongoing cooperation between Maldives and U.S. Security agencies in effectively addressing the challenges and underscored the significance of maintaining bilateral strategic cooperation” read the statement.
Deputy National Security Advisor Finer congratulated the Maldives on officially opening its embassy in Washington, D.C. on Friday and expressed the United States’ desire to open its embassy in Malé soon. A statement relating to the meeting posted on the Whitehouse website said; “The two discussed Maldives’ commitment to ensuring its democracy in delivering results for the Maldivian people and the shared resolve in tackling the climate crisis. They committed to continue cooperation between the U.S. and the Maldives on a wide range of issues to ensure a free, open, peaceful, and stable Indian Ocean region including security cooperation, climate change, and sustainable development.”
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Shahid also met with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power met to discuss the burgeoning U.S.-Maldives development relationship.
They discussed shared priorities, including climate change, democracy and human rights, and opportunities for young people, according the USAID Spokesperson Jessica Jennings. Administrator Power underscored the value the United States places on its relationship with Maldives, commended Maldives’ principled foreign policy, and congratulated Foreign Minister Shahid on the upcoming, official re-establishment of the Maldives Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The two leaders also discussed the importance of continued partnership on climate and environmental priorities, including improving access to climate financing. Administrator Power reiterated USAID’s goal to strengthen private sector engagement in Maldives, especially in the tourism industry and in climate change adaptation.