Discussions have been held on increasing higher education opportunities for Maldivians to study at American universities.

This was discussed during a meeting held between the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid and the Secretary of State of the United States Antony Blinken, on Thursday.

The meeting took place at a crucial juncture as both Maldives and United States have decided to establish resident embassies in their respective capitals, underscoring the commitment to revitalize friendship and cooperation.

The discussions between Minister Shahid and Secretary Blinken centered on a range of issues, with a strong emphasis on enhancing peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Maldives and United States acknowledged the importance of upholding a rules-based international order and expressed their commitment to regional stability, maritime security, and promoting peace.

During the meeting Minister Shahid requested increased higher education opportunities for Maldivians to study at American universities, highlighting the importance of academic exchanges, scholarships, and collaboration across various fields of study.

Furthermore, Minister Shahid also emphasized the importance of waiving of visas for Maldivians traveling to the United States, aiming to promote people-to-people contact. Secretary Blinken acknowledged the importance of enhancing such contact and assured Minister Shahid that the United States would explore possibilities to streamline visa procedures for Maldivian nationals. This would promote greater cultural exchange, tourism, and business ties, further strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

Secretary Blinken praised the leadership of the Government of Maldives in climate negotiations on the international stage. The Government's leadership in climate diplomacy was acknowledged as an important contribution towards global efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

Minister Shahid was accompanied at the meeting by State Minister Ahmed Khaleel, Ambassador of the Maldives to the United States of America Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Permanent Representative of Maldives to the United Nations Thilmeeza Hussain, Secretary Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed, Chief of Protocol Ahmed Shiaan, Director General Ahmed Nasir and Counsellor at the Maldives Embassy Zeena Didi.