The United States believes in a Maldives 'that is a beacon of decency, transparency and genuine democracy', says its representative to the Maldives Atul Keshap.

The Ambassador hosted an Iftar at Hotel Jen in capital Malé City on Tuesday, where he assured the United States' commitment to working with Maldivians.

"We are committed to working with Maldivians to strengthen our connections, promote greater mutual understanding, and build a future in which our young people can take full advantage of every opportunity available to them," said the Ambassador. He added that 'working together' will help achieve the shared aspiration and "secure a brighter future" for both the Maldivian and American people.

Noting that both countries must come together "to preserve shared values", Ambassador Keshap said that his hope is that "we can all take the opportunity to refocus our efforts on the qualities of patience, mercy, kindness and compassion towards each other".

"We are all united by our common respect for humanity, by humility, by inclusion, by acceptance, by compassion and in that great spirit," he added.

Furthermore, the Ambassador highlighted that Ramadan is "a month in which over a billion Muslims from all across the world unite in service and charity to those less fortunate and come together in brotherhood and sisterhood to celebrate the holy month".

"It is a month for reflection and devotion, selflessness and peace, new beginnings and new commitments," he said, adding that that he has seen this "in action" in the Maldives in the past three years. This was the third such Iftar hosted by the Ambassador in the past three years.

Those that attended Ambassador Keshap's Iftar include; government and ruling party officials, senior officials of the Maldives United Opposition, international representatives to Maldives, as well as the families of political detainees including former First Lady Nasreena Ibrahim. In addition, journalists and members of the civil society attended the Iftar, and the families of abducted journalist Ahmed Rilwan and murdered blogger Yameen Rasheed.