The governments of the Maldives and the US have conducted discussions on enhancing the bilateral partnership between the two countries.
The discussions were held during meetings held by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Ahmed Khaleel with the Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the US Department of State, Donald Lu, and the Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for South and Central Asia at USAID, Theodora Dell, during his visit to Washington D. C.
State Minister Khaleel and Assistant Secretary of State Lu discussed on enhancing the traditionally close bilateral partnership and global matters of mutual importance. This include, the establishment of a resident US Embassy, as well as expanding cooperation in the fields of education, environment and climate change and economic cooperation. State Minister and Assistant Secretary Lu also discussed global matters of mutual importance.
During the meeting with Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator Theodora Dell, State Minister Khaleel noted the significant role played by USAID to improve resilience of individuals and communities in the Maldives. State Minister Khaleel and Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator Dell also reviewed the ongoing cooperation programmes by USAID in the Maldives.
State Minister Khaleel was accompanied at the meetings by Ambassador of Maldives to the US, Thilmeeza Hussain, and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of the Maldives in New York.