News Desk
US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor met Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel in Malé earlier today, the Foreign Ministry confirmed. The ministry said the discussion covered bilateral relations and regional conflict, though no further details were released.
Gor is on a regional tour that began on Thursday. The US State Department has linked the visit to the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Washington and Male’, noting cooperation in education, security and environmental programmes. During the trip, he is scheduled to hold talks on strengthening security and economic ties.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, speaking separately today, said the US envoy’s visit would not include discussions on the war in the Middle East. He reiterated that the Maldives would maintain relations with all countries except Israel, framing the visit as part of the government’s broader diplomatic engagement.
“If the US government has asked a senior official to visit the Maldives, it would be a shame not to give that opportunity,” he said, adding that he was prepared to hear what the delegation wished to convey. “I have nothing to discuss about this war.”
President Muizzu went on to stress that the Maldives would not allow its territory, airspace or waters to be used for any military purpose linked to foreign attacks. He repeated his view on the direction of the current conflict.
“If Iran attacks, it should be directed at Israel. Israel should be attacked day and night. That is what we believe,” he said. “If you attack Muslim Arab countries, the same Muslims will die and their cities will be destroyed.”
