The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid has engaged in discussions on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s support for an ambitious climate partnership, with USAID’s Administrator, Samantha Power.

The leaders held the discussion on Friday, touching down on a number of topics of mutual concern including the existential threats Maldives face by climate change, in turn bringing up to USAID’s support for an ambitious climate partnership with the Maldives that is to feature adaptation, safeguarding natural resources, protecting biodiversity as well as strengthening environmental resilience in the country.

The pair also discussed areas of significant collaboration in enhancing decentralization, anti-corruption as well as support for the rule of law.

FM Shahid extended gratitude on behalf of the people and government of Maldives to the people of the U.S and government, for the critical emergency Covid-19 assistance and donations of Covid-19 vaccinations.

During the discussions, FM Shahid and Administrator Power reiterated the urgency of ensuring a majority of the Maldivian population has access to Covid-19 vaccinations.

Opportunities to enhance development cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region was also discussed between the two leaders. Further the pair shed light on education opportunities for Maldivians as wall.

During the call Administrator Power extended felicitations to FM Shahid on his landslide victory in the presidential election of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Administrator Power also applauded FM Shahid for his resilience and commitment to gender diversity within the ministry

Since assuming office, FM Shahid’s leadership has helped to ensure gender parity among the country’s Heads of Missions, Administrator Power added.