Permanent Representative of the U.S. to the UN Human Rights Council Pays A Visit To the Foreign Minister

On Sunday, the Permanent Representative of the United States (U.S.) to the United Nations Human Rights Council, Michèle Taylor paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Abdulla Shahid. The courtesy visit forms part of the Ambassador’s official visit to the Maldives from 14 to 17 January 2023. During her time, she would be holding discussions with relevant government bodies and members of Civil Society.

At the meeting, Minister Shahid and Ambassador Taylor underscored areas of priority for both countries in the field of human rights and delved further into their respective memberships at the Human Rights Council. In this regard, the Foreign Minister defined the vision set by the Maldives at the council and highlighted its key areas of focus.

This included the promotion of gender equality and elimination of violence against women and girls, youth advocacy, climate change and environment, civil society engagement and inclusivity. Moreover, Minister Shahid also noted that the promotion and protection of human rights is a highly valued commitment of the Government of Maldives and affirmed that it is one of the three pillars of the country’s foreign policy.

Speaking further at the meeting, Foreign Minister Shahid also acknowledged the United States as an important developmental partner of the Maldives in both bilateral and multilateral spheres. For this, he thanked the U.S. for their continuous insight and assistance, particularly in the area of advancing fundamental rights.

Minister Shahid was joined at the meeting by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel, Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, Joint Secretary Shiuneen Riasheed and Assistant Director, Aishath Rayahyn.