Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, on Monday, held a discussion with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo concerning opportunities to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
The two diplomats also discussed updates on Maldives' fight against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
During the meeting, Pompeo reiterated the US commitment to collaborate with Maldives on COVID-19 response efforts as well as efforts to promote sustainable economic development.
"I look forward to growing the US-Maldives relationship and strengthening our partnership", he stated.
Minister Shahid expressed gratitude towards the frontline support and economic assistance provided by the US government since the start of the pandemic.
The US Department of State for Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs stated that the meeting between Minister Shahid and Secretary Pompeo affirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship between Maldives and the United States.
On June 25, the US donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to support Maldives' efforts against the COVID-19 outbreak.
Prior to this, the US government also extended a grant of USD 2 million as economic support for Maldives, intended to help expand social protection services through civil society and support the government's strategy for recovery amid the pandemic.