Minster Shahid Speaks with Under Secretary of Defence for Policy of United States

Yesterday, Foreign Minister, Abdulla Shahid had a phone call discussion with the Under Secretary of Defence for Policy of United States, Dr. Colin Kahl.  
 
Based on the recently established 2020 Defence and Security Relationship Framework between the Maldives and the United States, both the Ministers discussed on further developing the US-Maldives bilateral relationships. It included focusing on exercises and logistics cooperation.  
 
The conversation also explored the various options for both countries to expand its role in advancing shared interest in the Indo-Pacific, including support for a rules-based international order and countering the threat of violent extremism. 
 
Highlighting the ongoing Covid19 pandemic and its situation in the Maldives, Under Secretary Kahl shared his sympathies regarding the recent surge and assured Minister Shahid that the United State remains in support of helping Maldives respond to the pandemic. Gratitude was exchanged for the decision to include Maldives in the list of countries to receive the generous donation of COVAX vaccine by US.  
 
In conclusion, Under Security Kahl stated that DoD looked forward to hosting the second session of the bilateral Defence and Security Dialogue in 2022 as well, following the success of the first session in January this year.