Maldives intends to open a Resident Embassy in Washingdon D.C, announces Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
Minister Shahid made the announced during a speech delivered at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Wednesday.
While Minister Shahid arrived in D.C on Tuesday, he spoke at the CSIS upon the invitation of Richard Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in U.S. India Policy Studies and CSIS India Chair.
Foreign Minister of the Maldives @abdulla_shahid speaking at @CSIS at the invitation of @CSISIndiaChair and Wadhwani Chair @RichardRossow pic.twitter.com/hrEdJzE1tT
— CSIS India Chair (@CSISIndiaChair) January 22, 2019
During the address, Minister Shahid also said that former President Mohamed Nasheed still remains the most popular politician in the Maldives. He included that Nasheed was President Solih’s special envoy to the Poland climate summit, and will continue to be a “strong voice” for democracy and human rights in the People’s Majlis.
Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid announces intent to open a #Maldives resident embassy in Washington. https://t.co/MOs3zJ5G6c
— Donald Camp (@donacamp) January 23, 2019
Following the invitation, Minister Shahid had expressed his gratitude via Twitter, writing that “continuous stability” in the Indian Ocean is “fundamental” for the security of the country and that a “stronger, prosperous, democratic” and “politically stable” country is relevant for the safety of the region.
Had a fruitful discussion @USTreasury and explored areas of collaboration between the two countries in strengthening the management of Maldives financial sector pic.twitter.com/iLQ9T8XYCh
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) January 22, 2019
Also at the Round Table held in Washington DC, Minister Shahid stated that “there is a profound dependency, a mutual dependency between the Indian Ocean and the Maldives”.
He had emphasized the his country believes that stronger partnerships between US and Maldives, is “crucial” for promoting maritime security in the region.
Stressing that such a partnership is also important for the security of the South Asia region, Minister Shahid said that it is vital for making the Maldives stronger in regional as well as global politics.
Also, during the trip, Minister Shahid met will senior officials of the United States Department of Treasury and the USAID on Wednesday.
They had discussed areas of further cooperation on capacity building, financial sector management and human resource development in the Maldives.
During his two-day official visit to Washington D.C, Minister Shahid is accompanied by Ahmed Khaleel, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ali Naseer Mohamed Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the UN and Ambassador to the United States, and officials of the Maldives Mission in New York.
