US to provide Maldives with MVR 150M in additional assistance

The government of US has announced the decision to provide Maldives with an additional USD 9.75 million (MVR 150 million) in assistance within this year.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid, who is currently on an official visit to the US, met with the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, last Wednesday.

In a statement following the meeting, the US State Department said it will be working with the US Congress to provide USD 9.75 million (MVR 150 million) in additional assistance to Maldives this year.

During the meeting, Pompeo welcomed the Maldivian administration’s commitment to judicial reform, transparency and rule of law.

Earlier today, @SecPompeo met with #Maldives Foreign Minister @abdulla_shahid, at the Department of State. pic.twitter.com/0y2mK3yB8F

— Department of State (@StateDept) February 20, 2019

He also expressed strong support for the US-Maldives partnership, and reaffirmed the commitment by US to share its best practices in the areas of debt strategy, public financial management and combatting financial crimes with Maldives.

Meanwhile, Shahid, during the meeting, underscored the Maldivian administration’s commitment to reform efforts, which he said was crucial for democracy and future prosperity of Maldives.

The invitation to visit the US was extended to Shahid by Pompeo.

Shahid, during the visit, signed two key documents; the MoU to enhance aviation security and the MoU between Maldives and USAID to facilitate sustained collaboration.

He also participated in a round-table discussion by the Atlanta Council, during which he highlighted on the democratization journey of Maldives and the current administration’s efforts to reform and improve democracy in Maldives.

The visit marks the first time for a Maldivian Foreign Minister to make a visit to the US at the invitation of the US State Department.