The Maldives has opened an embassy in the United States (US).
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid inaugurated the embassy in Washington, DC. The opening of the Maldives embassy signifies an important milestone in the diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the US, allowing for more direct and enhanced engagement between the two nations.
Previously, diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the US were managed through the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, while the Maldives was represented in the US through its mission at the United Nations. However, the decision to establish embassies in both the Maldives and the US was announced during the visit of then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the Maldives in 2020. The new US embassy will be situated in the recently constructed Umar Zahir Office Building in Hulhumale'.
During his visit to the US, Minister Shahid has held discussions on important matters of mutual interest with US government officials with the aim of strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. As such, the minister has met with Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer and stressed the importance of maintaining ongoing cooperation between Maldives and US Security agencies in effectively addressing the challenges and underscored the significance of maintaining bilateral strategic cooperation.
Additionally, Minister Shahid met with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power and emphasised anticipation of expanding its programme portfolio in the Maldives. He also met the Secretary of State of the United States Antony Blinken and discussed a range of issues, including promoting and strengthening democracy, commitment to economic growth, adapting to a changing climate, defence cooperation, free and fair elections and freedom of expression and association.