Wednesday, 20 February 2019



The U.S. government applauds Maldives’ 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. We welcome the opportunity to deepen engagement with Maldives in support of common priorities and a shared vision for the Indian Ocean region, and today announced the 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. To date, our expanded outreach and assistance to Maldives encompasses:
Governance
  • U.S. Department of the Treasury collaboration with the Government of Maldives to initiate assistance on debt strategy and domestic debt management.
  • Initiation of a USAID program-based budgeting pilot with Maldives’ Ministry of Finance to promote public financial management best practices.
Development
  • Initiation of a Development Objectives Assistance Agreement to facilitate sustained collaboration between Maldives and USAID.
  • USAID-administered civil society youth and women’s economic and social empowerment programs.
  • Continued USAID programming to improve management of coral reef ecosystems and build Maldives’ economic, social, and environmental resilience.
Security
  • $7 million to support maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and military professionalization.
  • Conclusion of a memorandum of agreement on the implementation of a $2 million program to enhance aviation security in Maldives.
  • Ongoing upgrades to passenger screening systems at Maldivian ports of entry.
Rule of Law
  • Deployment of a U.S. Department of Justice short-term legal advisor to support capacity building at Maldivian criminal justice institutions.
  • Deployment of a U.S. Department of the Treasury team to assess Maldives’ technical assistance needs related to combatting financial crimes.
Education
  • Ongoing panels, film screenings, workshops, and volunteer activities through the American Center in MalĂ© that encourage Maldivian youth to develop their entrepreneurship skills and engage on community issues, including environmental concerns.
  • Plans for five International Visitor Leadership Program exchanges in the next year.
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