The close cordial ties Maldives enjoys with the United States of America “will continue to prosper in the years to come”, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

On the occasion of U.S. 245th Independence Day, FM Shahid sent felicitations on behalf of the government and people of Maldives, to the Secretary of State of the United States of America Antony J. Blinken on Sunday.

FM Shahid in a Twitter post, noted that U.S. is a reliable partner to the Maldives and assured his commitment to enhance the “enduring friendship” as well as expand the scope of relations with the American government.

Touching down on the remarkable history of support and cooperation between both countries over the past five decades, FM Shahid noted that the close and cordial relations are grounded in mutual respect as well as understanding, which in his words stands time-tested.

Maldives, as a “staunch” development partner, is “exceedingly” appreciative to the U.S. government for the assistance and support extended to the island nation, specifically in fields of security cooperation, governance, climate change as well as trade and investment, the foreign minister highlighted.

He particularly noted the generous contributions the U.S. government has made in the face of challenging surfacing for the island nation due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. This comes at a time the administration of Joe Biden has listed Maldives among the first countries to receive vaccination donations under the global vaccine sharing strategy.

FM Shahid said that this is proof that relations between both countries have flourished especially in the past couple of years.

In conclusion the foreign minister wished for further progress to the U.S. citizens and government.

Also on Sunday the minister extended felicitations to his counterpart in Belarus, Vladimir Makei in commemoration of their Independence Day.

He expressed confidence that the friendly relations between both countries will continue to grow stronger in the year ahead.