The United States (US) has said that the Maldives has emerged both as a regional and global leader in climate, democracy, and security. The statement was made by US President Joe Biden in a meeting after the Ambassador of the Maldives Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed presented his Letter of Credence. As such, President Biden applauded the efforts of the Maldives to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience.
During the meeting, Ambassador Abdul Ghafoor conveyed personal greetings and sincere best wishes from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to President Biden, the government, and the people of the US. He also reaffirmed the commitment of the government of Maldives to further consolidate the relations between the two countries.
In his remarks, Ambassador Abdul Ghafoor highlighted that the relations between the Maldives and the US have endured the test of time over the last five decades. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1965, the partnership between the two countries has continued to strengthen its shared values and a strong commitment to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy, human rights, and rule of law. The ambassador also noted that the fundamentals of President Solih’s foreign policy have hinged on fortifying and developing our long-standing ties and increasing engagement with key partners such as the US. Towards that effort, the re-establishment of a resident mission in the US, after more than a decade, testifies to the growing strength of the relations between the two countries.
Furthermore, Ambassador Abdul Ghafoor noted the progress made in the establishment of the very first US Embassy in the Maldives this year. He said the establishment of the embassies in the respective capitals of the two countries symbolises the true spirit of friendship that connects the two like-minded countries, despite their geographical distance.