US-Maldives engaged in talks to identify areas of assistance

A delegation from the United States is currently in Maldives for talks to identify areas in which the US will focus and increase its assistance on.

The delegation is made up of officials from the US Department of State, the US Department of Commerce, and the US Embassy in Sri Lanka.

The delegation has identified public financial management, rule of law, human rights, good governance, civil society and judicial reform as key areas of interest, says Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives.

Video: US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, David Ranz and delegation calls on Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid pic.twitter.com/Kn7wS4yo6I

— MFA Maldives (@MDVForeign) December 11, 2018

The officials from US Department of Commerce is scheduled to meet with officials from Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of National Planning and Infrastructure, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ministry of Environment, Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and the Attorney General’s Office.

Meanwhile, the US Department of State’s Rule of Law Advisor, Stephen Anderson will meet with members of the Presidential Commission on Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances, Presidential Commission on Corruption and Asset Recovery, and officials from Prosecutor General’s Office, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), and Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports the talks are to further discussions between new US Ambassador Alaina Teplitz and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 18.

The delegation is scheduled to conclude its visit and return home this Thursday.