Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma, met on Thursday to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. A key focus of the talks was simplifying visa procedures to enhance people-to-people connections between the two nations. The officials also addressed potential collaboration on tourism and climate change initiatives.
During the meeting, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the ongoing Maldives-U.S. relationship, emphasizing shared democratic principles, the rule of law, economic development, defense, and broader security cooperation.
This meeting follows a January visit by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Donald Lu. While specific details from that visit remain undisclosed by the Maldives government, Lu has since commented on several agreements reached during discussions at the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) this month.
Lu revealed that the United States Development Finance Corporation is exploring potential investments in the Maldives. Additionally, discussions are underway regarding the potential donation of patrol boats and aircraft to assist the Maldives in securing its maritime territory and borders.
