Washington, Oct 28 (UNI) For the first time in history, the United States will establish an Embassy in the Maldives, US Secretary of State Mike announced on Wednesday, during a visit to the island nation.

This development signifies the increasingly close relations between the US and the strategically-located Island Nation and an important breakthrough for the US Indo Pacific strategy, the US Secretary of State tweeted

'I am pleased to announce that the United States intends to open an Embassy in Maldives with a resident US Ambassador, reflecting the continued growth of the US-Maldives relationship and underscoring the United States' unshakeable commitment to Maldives and the Indo-Pacific region,' Mr Pompeo said.

He noted that since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1966, the two nations have deepened cooperation on various issues, including enhancing maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, incentivising the private sector, and countering terrorism.

'With support from the United States, Maldives has made tremendous progress in recent years to support democratic institutions and foster a free and open society for the benefit of all its citizens,' said Mr Pompeo.

'Our decision to open an Embassy in Maldives is a welcome milestone in our relationship and we look forward to strengthened cooperation between our countries in the years to come,' he added.

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