Discussions held on further solidifying Maldives-US relations

Discussions have been held on further solidifying the warm relations between Maldives and the United States.

The discussions were held between President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs of the US Department of State Donald Lu.

The Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs of the US Department of State paid a courtesy call on the Maldivian leader at the President’s Office on Tuesday morning.

The meeting saw the Assistant Secretary of State expressing interest of the US government to expand areas of cooperation with the government of Maldives including trade and economic development, tourism cooperation, and Indian Ocean Security.

Expressing gratitude, the Maldivian leader shed light on his foreign policy, under which the government welcomes development initiatives that benefit government and boosts economy.

Discussions also revolved around international matters of mutual concern.

As such, noting that the fasting month of Ramadan is approaching fast, Muizzu expressed hope that the Israeli aggression in Gaza would reach a permanent ceasefire soon.

In addition to this, he stated that peace can only be achieved through a two-state solution, Palestine as an independent State with East Jerusalem as its capital within pre-1967 borders.

The meeting also saw the Assistant Secretary of State congratulating the Maldivian leader on winning the 2023 presidential election as well as the peaceful government transition.

He also applauded the prominent democratic actions in the new president’s first few months in office, which has in his words, set an example to South Asia as well as the rest of the globe.