Maldives, US mark 60 years of diplomatic ties with renewed commitment to economic growth

The Maldives and the United States held discussions on Wednesday on further strengthening cooperation in the areas of investment, maritime affairs and economic development.

The talks were held with the US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, S. Paul Kapur, who also paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

The meeting took place at the President’s Office this morning, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the United States.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries were first established on 9 April 1966. During the meeting, the two sides explored ways to further deepen the friendship and cooperation built over the past six decades.

އެމެރިކާގެ އެސިސްޓަންޓް ސެކްރެޓަރީ އޮފް ސްޓޭޓް ފޮރ ސައުތު އެންޑް ސެންޓްރަލް އޭޝިއަން ‌އެފެއާޒް ރައީސުލްޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާގެ އަރިހަށް އިޙްތިރާމުގެ ޒިޔާރަތެއް ކުރެއްވުން pic.twitter.com/EPIRenVQLj

— The President's Office (@presidencymv) June 24, 2026

President Muizzu reaffirmed that, under the government’s Maldives First policy, the country remains open to development projects that deliver tangible benefits and support economic diversification. He also underscored the importance of increasing investments in key sectors.

Assistant Secretary Kapur highlighted the United States’ interest in expanding cooperation in trade and economic development, as well as strengthening collaboration in tourism, regional security and maritime security.

Both sides noted that these areas are of mutual interest and essential to regional stability.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together on issues of mutual benefit. President Muizzu described the United States as an important partner in the Maldives’ development and expressed hope that the partnership will continue to grow in the years ahead.