US Embassy Colombo's Public Affairs Officer James L. Russo and Cultural Affairs Officer Melissa Paulsen met with RaajjeTV's Managing Director Ahmed Saleem, on Monday afternoon.
The two are currently in the Maldives on an official visit, and are expected to meet with senior government officials as well as journalists and members of the civil society.
At the meeting held on Monday, they inquired on the challenges faced by RaajjeTV, as well as threats to journalists and the space for independent journalism in the Maldives.
Both parties also discussed on ways to further strengthen relations between the Embassy and RaajjeTV.
In a tweet sent out on Tuesday, Russo praised the reporters "who speak truth to power every day".
A warm shoutout to my friends at #Maldives @Raajje_tv the brave reporters who speak truth to power ever day, #freepress #democracy pic.twitter.com/xrSAvbXHld
— Jim Russo (@JRussoPAO) September 26, 2017
RaajjeTV's chief operating officer Hussain Fiyaz Moosa, Executive Director Naazmee Saeed, HR Manager Rifga Abdul Wahhab, News Director Mohamed Hushaam and Head of English Department Aishath Shaany had attended the meeting, as well as US Embassy's Public Affairs Specialist Aminath Shizleen.