Maldives and the United States have signed the Framework for U.S-Maldives Defence and Security Relationship.
The framework was signed by Minister of Defence of the Maldives Mariya Ahmed Didi and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and Southeast Asia at the US Defence Department Reed Werner.
At the signing ceremony, Minister Mariya said the framework will add immense value to the excellent partnership between the Maldives and the U.S, especially in the defence and security domain. The minister stressed on the importance of bilateral dialogue and engagement, against a backdrop of growing threats such as piracy, violent extremism, terrorism, and illicit trafficking and for the security of the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean region, which is tied to the best interests of both nations.
The framework outlines a range of bilateral activities, including senior-level dialogues, discussions, engagements and opportunities in areas such as maritime domain awareness, disasters and humanitarian relief operations. The defence ministry stated the framework is a positive step towards furthering the close ties that exist between the two countries, especially in the defence and security sectors of both countries.