US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo has said that the decision to open a Maldivian Embassy in the USA and a US Embassy in the Maldives marks a new beginning of strong bilateral relations between USA and the Maldives.

Speaking during a joint press briefing after official talks between the two countries, Secretary Pompeo said that the official visit is a testament to the value that the USA holds on the ties with the Maldives. He added that the opportunity for both countries to work together is greater than ever and that the decision to open an embassy is evident of that.

Secretary Pompeo further said that the desire for democracy and a fair presidency by Maldivians is evident.

Speaking during the briefing, he highlighted that the defensive ties between the countries have been stronger than before as well and stressed that the security of small island nations like the Maldives is a greater need now than before.