United States Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur paid a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday, during which the two discussed bilateral relations and areas for closer cooperation.

During the meeting at the President's Office, President Dr Muizzu and Kapur highlighted that this year marks 60 years of formal diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the United States. They also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Kapur expressed the United States' interest in expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including economic development, investment and maritime security.

President Dr Muizzu said the Maldives remains open to development initiatives that deliver tangible benefits and support economic diversification, in line with the Government's Maldives First foreign policy.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continuing cooperation on areas of shared interest.