Secretary Pompeo meets Maldives Foreign Minister

Secretary Pompeo meets Maldives Foreign Minister

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo welcomed Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid to Washington today.

They discussed their common interest in deepening bilateral ties between the United States and Maldives, and their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Foreign Minister Shahid underscored the importance of his government’s reform efforts to the vitality of Maldives’ democracy and future prosperity.

Secretary Pompeo expressed strong support for the U.S.-Maldives partnership, announcing the intent of the State Department to work with Congress to provide $9.75 million in additional assistance for Maldives. He hailed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enhance aviation security and an intent by USAID to facilitate sustained collaboration with Maldives.

The Secretary also noted that the United States is cooperating with Maldives to share best practices in the areas of debt strategy, public financial management, and combatting financial crimes. The Secretary welcomed the Government of Maldives’ commitment to judicial reform, transparency, and rule of law.