Though this is not the first time the Maldives opened an embassy in the US, as former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom set one up during his administration - the embassy had to be closed down due to financial constraints in later years.
In an ever-evolving global landscape, nations across the world are tirelessly striving to foster closer relationships and enhance collaboration. As an integral part of this endeavour, the establishment of embassies has emerged as a vital tactic to facilitate seamless cooperation.
By setting up diplomatic missions in foreign territories, countries aim to forge stronger bonds and cultivate a deeper understanding of one another's values, culture, and aspirations. As such, embassies serve as dynamic hubs where diplomats engage in negotiation, and dialogue, enabling nations to work more effectively together. Just like any other country, the Maldives has also been working extremely hard over the years to build diplomatic ties with nations, especially as a small island nation which strongly depends on tourism and foreign ties for its economic development.
These strong ties have brought the Maldives several benefits, such as the Maldivian passport being strong, as Maldivian passport holders can travel to several countries without a visa requirement. With the recent new developments in the foreign ties between the Maldives and other nations bringing joyous news to the Maldives such as the possibility of visa-free travel to the EU in the near future, the Government has also taken yet another step by establishing a Maldivian embassy in the US.
Though this is not the first time the Maldives opened an embassy in the US, as former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom set one up during his administration, the embassy had to be closed down due to financial constraints in later years.
With this, the Maldives was carrying out most of its dialogue between the Maldives and the US through the US embassy set up in Sri Lanka. In addition to this, the US also has its very own embassy in the Maldives as the bilateral ties between both nations date back to 1996. While this embassy used to be set up in Male’ City, with the opening of the new Government office building, the US embassy in the Maldives was moved to the Umar Zahir building in Hulhumale’.
And now, with the Maldives opening its embassy in Washington D.C, the capital city of the US, there is no doubt that the facilitation of communication between the two countries is going to be more seamless in the future.
The total of Maldives embassies, consulate offices, and permanent missions in various countries amount to 19 as at 2023, and the Maldives government will spend MVR 367 million (USD 24 million) from the tax payers' money this year on foreign services.
