The Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Michèle Taylor, has paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.

The U.S. Ambassador met with the Maldivian Foreign Minister on Sunday.

During the meeting, Minister Shahid and Ambassador Taylor exchanged views on areas of priority for both countries in the field of human rights, and deliberated further on their respective memberships at the Human Rights Council.

As such, Minister Shahid outlined the vision set by the Maldives to advance the key areas of its focus at the Council, which include: promotion of gender equality and elimination of violence against women and girls, youth advocacy, climate change and environment, civil society engagement and inclusivity at the Human Rights Council.

Additionally, Minister Shahid reaffirmed the Maldivian Government’s commitment towards the promotion and protection of human rights, as one of the three pillars of its foreign policy.

Minister Shahid also recognized the U.S. as an important partner of the Maldives in bilateral and multilateral spheres and expressed gratitude towards the assistance provided by the U.S. especially in advancing fundamental rights.

Minister Shahid was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel, Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, Joint Secretary Shiuneen Riasheed and Assistant Director Aishath Rayahyn.

Ambassador Taylor is currently undertaking an official visit to the Maldives from 14 to 17 January 2023, to hold discussions with Government officials and members of the Civil Society.