The US Special Representative for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor has concluded his official visit to the Maldives. 

The US Envoy reportedly met with Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel and Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon yesterday. 

Although an appointment was sought for an audience with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, this meeting was not held. However, the government is yet to officially confirm this.

Speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the President's Office, the President said that Maldives will always welcome leaders and senior officials of all countries, except for Israel.   

However, there is nothing to discuss with the visiting US envoy about the ongoing war in the Middle East, he said.

"It will be very odd for Maldives to decline when America requests for a leader or senior official to visit the country," the President said.   

"I want to see what they have to say. There is nothing I want to discuss regarding the ongoing war. Access will not be granted to use any area of Maldives for purposes of this war or any war. That will not happen," President Muizzu asserted. 

The President said that authorization will not be granted to use Maldives' land or air space for purposes of any war by any parties. He further said that none of the countries engaged in the Middle East war are justified in their strikes. 

During the four-day official visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka, US Envoy Sergio Gor has met with Sri Lankan President Aruna Dissanayake as well.