The future looks bright for Maldivian-American relations

Shortly after the United States presidential election, the President of the Maldives said he was confident that the ties between our nations “will continue and further strengthen.” I sincerely second this. As Donald J. Trump begins his Presidency, the Maldives enters a new era of cooperation with the tenth Administration in the United States since diplomatic relations between our two countries began over five decades ago.

Since independence in 1965, the Maldives has always found in the United States a reliable and supportive friend. From the U.S. scholarship grants received by Maldivians to pursue their undergraduate studies during the 1970s to the grant of $8.6 million in relief assistance following the Indian Ocean tsunami that hit the Maldives in 2004, the stamp of American cooperation is in view the moment you arrive on our islands.

{mosads}Over the years, the two countries have exchanged information and worked hand-in-hand combatting narcotics, countering terrorism, enhancing border control security systems and strengthening the capacity of law enforcement authorities of the Maldives through training of personnel and professional services.

It is in this spirit of harmony and goodwill that we eagerly await the incoming Administration — keen to continue to deepen our current cooperation, as well as find new avenues of partnership. 

As a smaller trading nation, our door remains open to frank and fruitful discussions that increase the flow of investors and tourists to our islands. We are always looking for opportunities to expand our export base. And with buoyant economic prospects, we can provide a safe repository for American investment.

Strategic cooperation within the Indian Ocean has always formed a key pillar in our relationship. The Maldives occupies an important location straddling multiple ocean trade routes. These shipping lanes are open and safe. We’re determined to keep it that way. From this geopolitical position, we are eager to continue our collaboration with the United States on our common interests in the region. 

The Maldives welcomes the opportunity to partner with the new Administration on combatting terrorism inspired by violent extremist ideologies. The Maldives’ position in the coalition against international terrorism is clear. As an Islamic nation, our track record of cooperation with the United States has demonstrated our fidelity and value as a partner. From sharing of intelligence to training programs, the Maldives has responded to opportunities with alacrity to rid the world of this scourge.

Acknowledging that a small number of Maldivians have travelled abroad as Foreign Terrorist Fighters, we have vastly intensified security measures to preclude this in the future, and the issue remains a top priority for us. The President Trump’s explicit declarations on the need to act is a strong starting point, and we stand ready to enhance our actions in collaboration with the United States and other global partners. We know international terror networks can only be destroyed through transnational cooperation. We will continue to advocate for this international consensus to help throttle extremism in South Asia and throughout the world.

The Maldives is pleased to hear that the President is ready to keep an open mind on a range of issues, particularly climate change. Our island nation is on the front-line of rising oceans. The highest elevation of land is just 2.4 meters above sea level — the lowest of any country in the world. The effects of environmental changes are more than just rising sea levels — an endangered food supply and mass migration are just a few of the truly global ramifications of this new era for our planet.

We note that the United States played a crucial role in shaping the Paris Agreement. Through its implementation, the world is on a more economically prosperous and sustainable path to transitioning to renewable energy. For the first time, towards the end of last year, renewable energy generation surpassed fossil fuels globally. This is expected to become the norm as countries like India and China continue to increase investments in clean energy. As a world leader, with the technological aptitude and resource potential, we hope the United States continues to lead this transformation into clean energy, creating jobs and opportunities with great economic promise. 

The ushering in of any new administration in Washington D.C. always leads to speculation as to which direction American foreign policy will turn. We greet President Trump and his new Administration with a warm hand of friendship, built on decades of trust. When it comes to international relations, I can speak for the Maldives when I say that we look forward to broadening and deepening the cooperation between our nations. Long may it continue.

Ahmed Sareer is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Maldives to the United States of America.

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