The United States of America intends to open an embassy in the Maldives with the resident U.S. ambassador, for the first time.
The announced was made by the U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo during his brief visit to the island nation, on Wednesday.
Pompeo and Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid held a joint press conference on Wednesday evening, where the decision was announced, as proof that the United States values its friendship with the Maldives and sees important opportunities between both countries to work together “like never before.”
I am announcing historic development in our decades-old partnership. For the first time United States intends to open an embassy here in the Maldives with the resident U.S. ambassador. Getting this facility open will not happen overnight but it is worth it, it is the right thing to do, your role here in the Indo-Pacific and the international community is increasingly important and my country wants to remain a good partner to a sovereign democratic and prosperous Maldives. Having an embassy here will help us do just that.”United States’ Secretary of State Michael Pompeo
The U.S. Secretary of State expressed joy in having engaged in “incredibly” productive conversation and positive meetings with the foreign minister and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, to whom he expressed gratitude for the invitation to visit the capital, Malé City.
Highlighting that the bilateral relationship between both countries has “never been better”, Pompeo noted that democracies believe in a free open Indo-Pacific and cooperation is ongoing in everything from economic development to counter terrorism. The latter is an area Pompeo described as one in which collaboration has increased significantly during the administration of U.S. incumbent President, Donald Trump.
We know too, that the Maldivian people treasure their democracy as well. More than 90 percent of eligible voters turned up for the 2018 Presidential elections. United States government provided nearly 40 million since 2018 to support the good government here, fundamental freedoms and economic impairment for all, especially for women"United States’ Secretary of State Michael Pompeo
Pompeo urged more progress on these fronts as cooperation is especially important as the globe struggles to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shedding light on the nearly USD three million provided by the American government in pandemic assistance to the Maldivian people, Pompeo noted that as the global economy recovers and travel and tourism resumes, American companies will find an increasingly welcome environment in the island nation.
During Wednesday’s press briefing Pompeo also noted the talks he had with Maldives Minister of Defense and National Security, Mariya Ahmed Didi who signed a framework agreement for defense and security cooperation with the United States Department of Defense last month.
The U.S. Secretary of State noted that defense cooperation is growing in the relationship between Maldives and U.S. as well.
Conversations about security in the Maldives and other island nations I have been to like Micronesia and Sri Lanka have taken on new importance as the Chinese Communist Party continues its lawless and threatening behavior. We see that behavior in the police illegal militarization in south China Sea, we see it encroachment into its neighbors’ economic zones and we see when Chinese state-owned companies trash the environment. They leave behind marine debris and pollution that would be unconscionable to many other Nations.”United States’ Secretary of State Michael Pompeo
Stressing that The Chinese Communist Party has also failed terranean, unreported and unregulated fishing since announcing its zero-tolerance policy, Pompeo assured that America is different. As such, he stated that U.S. respects sovereignty, urges transparency and builds friendships and partnerships.
With this foundation set, Pompeo expressed confidence that Maldives and America will have plenty of new opportunities between the two countries especially now that the new diplomatic presence is coming into place.
“We have a very bright future ahead of us” said an optimistic U.S. Secretary.
Having arrived in the Maldives on Wednesday afternoon, Pompeo engaged in discussions with the president and foreign minister before concluding his maiden visit to the country, after a press briefing.
