President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has discussed the process of opening designated embassies in Maldives and the Unites States, with the U.S. Chargé d’affaires to Maldives, Andrea Appell.

The U.S. Chargé d’affaires called on President Solih at the President’s Office on Wednesday.

The meeting saw the president and U.S. Chargé d’affaires discussing the process of opening designated embassies in the two countries, and the longstanding relations between the two countries.

On the topic of establishing embassies, the president noted that this step will improve cooperation between the two countries and further enhance relations between Maldives and U.S.

Shedding light on how the two countries had established diplomatic relations over 60 years ago, Appell stated that the U.S. is proud of this longstanding relationship.

She also highlighted the Maldives’ “outstanding” position globally, in spite of its size.

Thanking the government of the U.S. for the continued assistance provided in multiple sectors, the president shed light on the aid provided during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Discussions were also held on ways to improve the economy of the island nation, as well as boosting defence and security in the region.

The meeting was joined by the Secretary of Foreign Relations at the President’s Office Ibrahim Hood, Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Latheef and the Chief of Staff at the President’s Office Ali Zahir.

Alan Brinker, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission also joined the meeting.