The United States will provide US$20 million worth of grant aid to support sustainable development projects in the Maldives, US ambassador Alaina Teplitz told the local press Wednesday.
The ambassador hailed a USAID Development Assistance Agreement signed the previous day as “a milestone in the US-Maldives partnership.” The US$20 million bilateral deal “underscores the US commitment to advancing democracy and economic growth,” she tweeted.
At a meeting with local media outlets Wednesday morning, Teplitz explained the grant aid would fund projects over the next five years. She described the aid agreement as a “very significant commitment to assisting public financial management, rule of law and other areas,” according to Raajje TV.
Under a Development Objective Grant Agreement signed Tuesday, the US committed US$3 million to “improve the resilience of individuals and communities to drive inclusive and sustainable development,” the foreign ministry said.
Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador Teplitz also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Fulbright Academic Exchange Programme, which “aims to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of the Maldives and the United States through wider exchange of knowledge through educational activities.”
The agreement renewed the Fulbright exchange programme for a further five years. The first agreement was signed in 2003.
The development assistance comes amid renewed ties between the Maldives and Western allies since the new administration took office.
In December, the US pledged “US$7 million in foreign military financing to support Maldives maritime security and control its territorial waters and US$3 million to support civil society and help protect Maldives environment.”
Foreign Minister Shahid went on to meet with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a trip to Washington in February.
After the meeting, Secretary Pompeo announced “the intent of the State Department to work with Congress to provide $9.75 million in additional assistance for Maldives” and “hailed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enhance aviation security and an intent by USAID to facilitate sustained collaboration with Maldives.”
Meanwhile, in her third trip to the Maldives since assuming the post last year, Ambassador Teplitz – who is based in Sri Lanka at the embassy accredited to both countries – visited three islands in Lhaviyani atoll earlier this week.
On Wednesday afternoon, she went to a café in the capital Malé in solidarity with a group of women who started a campaign called #OccupySaiHotaa last year to challenge the taboo of women frequenting eateries.
Sometimes a cup of tea is more than just a cup of tea – enjoyed hedhika and conversation with the #Maldivian women leading #OccupySaiHotaa so that both men and women can enjoy access to the same public spaces. pic.twitter.com/BRkQeNguV7
The signing of the @USAID Development Assistance Agreement ($20 million bilateral development assistance) signifies the return of the US government's confidence in the Maldives. A new chapter in the Maldives-US partnership. @USAmbSLMpic.twitter.com/jsyNsBBtDK
We appreciate the support of our friends in implementing our reform agenda. @USAmbSLM has always been a close friend with common interest democracy, good governance, human rights, security and sustainable development. As always it was a pleasure to welcome you, Amb Teplitz. pic.twitter.com/i5bYmSyLyg
Shared impressions of my recent visit to a stunning reef in #Maldives with @EnvGovMv and discussed clean energy, waste management, & ways the US is expanding its support for environmental protection. pic.twitter.com/veCQrSpkHi
Sustainable development that meets a key need. That’s what shapes #USG assistance. Toured #Hinnavaru’s water supply system funded by the United States and @UNOPS, which provides reliable access to safe drinking water for the island’s population. pic.twitter.com/LpYUA7ChnK
Saving marine life makes economic & environmental sense – saw how NGOs like #Naifaru Juvenile help build the eco-tourism industry and play a vital role in #Maldives. pic.twitter.com/9RHRAli16C
Local issues are the ones that have the greatest impact on our daily lives. Learned about the concerns of Maldivians living in # Lhaviyani, #Naifaru, and #Hinnavaru and how their local representatives are addressing them. pic.twitter.com/VerMGqO9xf
I just signed the Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of Maldives and the US, on Aviation Security Cooperation. This will enhance capabilities of our law enforcement bodies to combat terrorism and violent extremism, and further strengthen our cooperation in this area. pic.twitter.com/XNfRicaGcb
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