U.S. to open first-ever resident embassy in the Maldives
"Getting this facility open will not happen overnight but it is worth it it is the right thing to do" said Pompeo
The U.S. Secretary of State had fruitful discussions with the foreign minister during his brief visit
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.”
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.
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.
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.
