US commits to advancing partnership with Maldives to promote sustainable economic growth

Maldives and the United States have engaged in discussions regarding advancing its partnership to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The discussions took place in a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and the Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power.

Zameer, who is on a four-day official visit to the US, met Powers in Washington on Tuesday.

According to USAID’s spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti, Powers “reinforced USAID’s commitment to advancing its partnership with the Maldives to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, protect the environment, and strengthen democratic institutions.”

The two discussed efforts to respond to the country’s looming debt crisis, finalize its commitment to join the Open Government Partnership, and work with USAID on an initiative to link resort and local islands to strengthen inclusive economic growth.

They also discussed the Maldivian government’s vision for decentralization through local governance, and USAID’s continued support for building the capacity of local island councils and women’s development committees.

According to information released by the US State Department, USAID provided USD 36 million in financial assistance to the Maldives between 2019 and 2023.