US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer in Washington, DC, focusing on enhancing their partnership and cooperation in climate action, economic growth, and maritime security. According to the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussions revolved around deepening US-Maldives relations, particularly in defense and security cooperation, democracy promotion, economic growth, and climate change adaptation.
In a post on X, Blinken shared a photo with Zameer before their meeting at the US Department of State, stating, “Met with Maldivian Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer to enhance the U.S.-Maldives partnership and cooperation on climate, economic growth, and maritime security.”
Met with Maldivian Foreign Minister @MoosaZameer to enhance the U.S.-Maldives partnership and cooperation on climate, economic growth, and maritime security. pic.twitter.com/KHTLPd6EJP
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) June 25, 2024
After the meeting, Zameer also posted on X, expressing his delight in meeting Blinken and reaffirming the Maldives’ commitment to strengthening its partnership with the US. “I am delighted to meet with the Honourable @SecBlinken, Secretary of State of the US, today,” Zameer said. “I reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the partnership between the Maldives and US in tackling climate change, promoting democracy, and cooperation in maritime security.”
I am delighted to meet with the Honourable @SecBlinken, Secretary of State of the US, today.
I reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen the partnership between the Maldives and US in tackling climate change, promoting democracy and cooperation in maritime security. pic.twitter.com/lGJk5ejxZd— Moosa Zameer (@MoosaZameer) June 26, 2024
Both officials committed to exploring new ways to strengthen their partnership, emphasizing the importance of a rules-based international order, regional stability, maritime security, and promoting peace. Blinken congratulated the Maldives on successful Presidential and Parliamentary elections and acknowledged its leadership in international efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
During the meeting, Zameer highlighted the importance of educational opportunities offered by the US and noted that improved visa facilitation for Maldivians would enhance cultural exchange, tourism, and business ties between the two countries.
The meeting included Maldivian officials such as the Ambassador to the United States, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, Secretary Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed, Senior Undersecretary Hassan Hussain Shihab, Counsellor Zeena Didi, and Second Secretary Ibrahim Haail.