Will continue bilateral relations according to Maldivians

The new US Ambassador to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Michele J. Sison has said that the bilateral relations between the US and Maldives will be continued according to the hopes of the Maldivian people.

She made the statement at the press conference held at Traders Hotel as part of her first visit to Maldives since she assumed the post of Ambassador.

Sison mentioned several areas in which the US hopes to assist and cooperate with Maldives, such as the military, enforcement of the rule of law, and fighting piracy and drug trafficking.

She stressed that the US is prepared to work with the Maldivian government and people, and mentioned the $7.1 million USAID project for the provision of clean water and waste management

In response to a question about the report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) on the transfer of power, Sison said that the US had issued a statement to welcome the report, and urged all stakeholders to respect the findings of the report, and to hold peaceful discussions to resolve the challenges related to this matter.

She also encouraged people to exercise restraint, and work towards strengthening and developing the democratic institutions of the country.