US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo has announced the decision of the US Government to open a resident diplomatic embassy in the Maldives.
Secretary Pompeo made the announcement at a joint press conference held on October 28, shortly after conducting official bilateral talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. Secretary Pompeo stated that the opening of the new embassy reflects the growing partnership between both countries. Secretary Pompeo also reiterated the US Government’s readiness to continue to support the Maldives in its efforts to consolidate democracy and promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms as well as in its contributions to addressing global challenges.
Minister Shahid congratulated and welcomed Secretary Pompeo’s announcement on the opening of a US Embassy in the Maldives. He stated it is a major milestone in the longstanding partnership between Maldives and United States and that the new Embassy would not only embody the political and diplomatic relations but also solidify the bridge between the people of the two countries.
Minister Shahid also noted the key role that the US continue to play in the Indian Ocean, promoting security, stability and peace within the region. He also stressed on the significance of a stronger partnership between the Maldives and the US to promote security in the region and especially in the fight against countering terrorism. He further expressed the government’s appreciation for the broad-based and multi-sectoral bilateral cooperation between the Maldives and the US, covering trade and investment, defence and security, education and health.
During the joint press conference, both Minister Shahid and Secretary Pompeo reassured commitment towards working closely on furthering on-going collaborations. They also reaffirmed their position on the significance of working together to overcome the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign Minister Shahid highlighted the multiple contributions made by the US government that played a key-role in the Maldivian government’s efforts to controlling the COVID-19 outbreak within the country. Minister Shahid also reflected on the various other assistances from the US that play key roles in strengthening democratic institutions, empowering women and youth in the Maldives.
Secretary Pompeo concluded his official visit to the Maldives and departed on the evening of October 28. He was seen off at the airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and senior officials of the foreign ministry.