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US Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo undertakes an official visit to Maldives 

US Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo undertakes an ... Image 1

 

28 October 2020

The United States Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo made an official visit to the Maldives on 28 October 2020. 

Secretary Pompeo was welcomed at Velana International Airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid. 

During the visit, the Secretary of State paid a courtesy call on President Solih and also held official talks with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid. During the discussions, both governments reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation programmes between the two countries and discussed global matters of mutual interest. 

At the Joint Press conference held after the discussions, Secretary Pompeo announced the Government of the United States decision to open a resident diplomatic embassy in the Maldives. He further stated that the opening of the new Embassy reflects the growing partnership between both countries. Secretary Pompeo also reiterated the Government of the United States 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 that 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 United States 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 United States 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 United States, covering trade and investment, defence and security, education and health. 

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 Government of the United States that played a key-role in the Government’s efforts to controlling the COVID-19 outbreak within the country. Minister Shahid also reflected on the various other assistances from the United States that plays key roles in strengthening democratic institutions, empowering women and youth in the Maldives.  

Secretary Pompeo concluded his official visit to the Maldives and departed this evening. He was seen off at the airport by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

ENDS