Maldives drifting away from China, and towards US
The Maldives is apparently moving steadily away from China and heading towards the United States – as symbolised in last week’s official visit by the Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid to Washington DC.
Following the visit, the US State Department issued a glowing report on the Maldives, “applauding its commitment to advance justice sector reform, good governance, rule of law, transparent public financial management, anti-corruption, growth of civil society, responsible infrastructure development, and education”.
That was quite a mouthful for a country that has not been considered a traditional American ally.
The US also welcomed the “opportunity to deepen engagement with the Maldives in support of common priorities and a shared vision for the Indian Ocean region.”
As a gesture of goodwill, the State Department announced its intent to work with Congress to provide $ 9.75 million in new funding for public financial management, rule of law, governance, civil society strengthening, and vocational training.
Additionally, the US will also provide $ 7 million in military aid to support maritime security, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and military professionalisation.
The US and the Maldives are also moving towards the conclusion of a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of a $ 2 million pro- gramme to enhance aviation security in the Maldives and upgrade passenger screening systems at the Maldivian ports of entry.
According to the Maldives’ Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, the country owes a staggering $ 1.4 billion debt to China -- a far cry from what the US is doling out.
Still, the State Department said the Treasury Department would help the Maldives government with developing a debt strategy and with domestic debt management.