United States of America
Date of establishment of bilateral relations: 10 November 1965
Head of State: President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Head of Government: President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
Foreign Minister: Antony J. Blinken
Capital: Washington, D.C
Overview
The Maldives established diplomatic relations with the United States in 1966, marking the beginning of resilient and enduring bonds of friendship between the two countries. Over the years, this bilateral relationship has not only remained strong and stable but has also expanded to encompass a wide range of areas, from tourism and people-to-people ties to environment, climate change, culture, and trade and investment.
The partnership between the Maldives and the United States extends to the defense and security domain as well. Both countries recognize the importance of maintaining regional stability and safeguarding shared interests, leading to regular consultations and exchanges in matters of defense and security cooperation.
High Level Exchanges
- Outgoing:
- President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih undertook Official Visits to the United States of America from 18 - 28 September 2021 and 22 - 27 September 2019, respectively, to attend United National General Assembly sessions in New York.
- Former Presidents Dr. Mohamed Waheed, Mohamed Nasheed and Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom undertook Official Visits to the United States of America during their respective presidencies, to attend United National General Assembly sessions in New York.
- Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid undertook Official Visits to the United States of America from 15 - 16 June 2023, 18 - 20 February 2019 and 21 - 26 January 2019 for official engagements with the United States Government.
- Incoming:
- Former Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo made an Official Visit to Maldives on 28 October 2020.
- Former Secretary of State James Addison Baker III made an Official Visit to Maldives on 24 July 1992.
Economic Cooperation
Maldives and the United States regularly examine ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment through a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement signed in 2009.