U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal has stated that Maldives has shown the world how much a young democracy can accomplish.
Nisha Biswal made this remark in a statement issued by the Embassy of the United States in Colombo, Sri Lanka following her recent visit to Maldives.
“It has assumed leadership positions on international issues at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and as Chair of the Alliance of Small Island States. We applaud those efforts,” she said.
However, Nisha noted that challenges such as judicial independence and instances of politically-motivated threats still remain here.
“The United States remains committed to supporting Maldives as it works to consolidate the independence of its core governing institutions and establish democratic norms that respond to the will of its people,” she assured.
Nisha also noted that the United States continues to support the economic progress that has made Maldives a middle-income country.
She also said that the United States looks forward to broadening and deepening trade with Maldives following the first-ever Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) meeting in October.
“U.S. business investment can help further economic growth, and the U.S. government will continue to work with the government and people of Maldives to build upon the economic gains already made,” she said.
In addition to this, Nisha stated that US looks forward to continuing cooperative efforts to address the great challenges of our time –from mitigating the effects of global climate change, to combating piracy, to countering the rise of extremist ideologies.
“Maldives has proven itself to be an able partner in these efforts, and has great potential to serve as a model of a democratic and tolerant Muslim society that can have enormous influence on countries around the world,” she said.
She added that her meetings with President Yameen, Foreign Minister Maumoon, and Defense Minister Nazim, as well as meetings with groups of women government officials and civil society leaders, all demonstrated to me the strong potential of our relationship.
“The United States shares a close and productive relationship with Maldives. In July, we will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with Maldives. Our countries are increasingly linked by business and educational ties, concern for the environment, and warm people-to-people ties. We are excited about the expansion of the American Center in 2015 to a new space that will increase the number and diversity of programs to broaden engagement with the people of Maldives,” she said.
Nisha reiterated that the United States stands ready to support the government and people of Maldives to increase your resiliency and crisis-response capabilities.
“We commend the government for its response efforts and the people of Maldives for their patience and cooperation during the recent water crisis in Male. The United States will continue to work with the government of Maldives on long-term water production and distribution assessments, and to develop rain-water catchment and desalinization projects to ensure supply of clean drinking water,” she said.
Maldivian volunteers are applauded for their services- President
Abdul Latheef
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has said that Maldivian volunteers are applauded for their services and are known even regionally.
President Yameen made this remark speaking at the ceremony held to mark international volunteers day held last night.
The President said that most of those working as volunteers are the youth and their efforts are much greater than those of other countries. He said that he is very happy that many of the youth are working as volunteers.
He said that many of the youth have proven themselves during the four day water crisis with the leadership shown by Maldivian Red Crescent.
The President stated that he was informed that about 500 youth have joined Red Crescent as volunteers in the past few days.
President Yameen requested the volunteers to make an effort to resolve other issues faced by the society. In this regard he noted the problem of violation of the rights of women.
“They are our morthers, our grand mothers, our elder sisters, our younger sisters, our wives, our daughters. They should not be abused in this land of ours,” he said.
He also noted the issue of gang violence which has increased in recent times. He said that the youth involved in these gangs should be rehabilitated and shown the correct path.
Maldives has shown the world how much a young democracy can accomplish- US
