A visiting US special representative has said discussions with Maldivian officials focused on bilateral relations and regional interests, as diplomatic engagement between the two countries continues.
Sergio Gor, the US special representative for South and Central Asia, said in a post on X that he met foreign minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel and defence minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon during his visit.
“This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of political relations between the two countries, and it is extremely useful to identify areas of strategic importance and find ways to work together,” he said.
Gor arrived in the Maldives on Sunday as part of a regional visit.
The envoy had requested a meeting with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, but the meeting did not take place. The government has not commented on the matter.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Monday, Muizzu said the Maldives would engage with all countries, but drew a distinction when it came to discussions related to the war in the Middle East.
“If a US government head or senior official requests to visit the Maldives, it would be unreasonable not to grant that opportunity,” he said.
“I want to hear what they have to say. I have nothing to say about this war. No part of the Maldives will be used in any war. That will not happen.”
President Muizzu also said the Maldives would not allow its territory, airspace or infrastructure to be used for military purposes in external conflicts, adding that no party in the current Middle East war could be said to be justified.
During his trip, Gor also met Sri Lankan president Anura Kumara Dissanayake as part of a four-day visit covering both the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
