U.S. Thanks Maldives for Recognizing Kosovo

On March 10th, 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent a letter to Maldives Foreign Minister Dr Ahmed Shaheed thanking him for his country's recognition of Kosovo. Secretary Clinton wrote that Maldives' decision “greatly contributes to efforts to promote a stable and prosperous future for Kosovo and the Western Balkans”. 

Secretary Clinton said: "My hope is that other countries will notice your example and will follow you in recognizing Kosovo in the near future.  I commend your leadership and would welcome your efforts to encourage other countries to support Kosovo." 

For the text of the letter click here.

U.S.  Medical and Military Teams Work Together with Maldivian Counterparts to Enhance Skills and Goodwill

February 21, 2009: U.S. Navy dentist Angela Roldan-Whitaker, examines a child’s teeth during the recent U.S. Navy and Marine visit to Maldives.

Colombo, February 27, 2009: A team of United States Navy and Marine medical professionals, working with colleagues in the Maldivian public health care system and armed forces, completed a medical and dental assistance mission from February 20 to 23 that benefited residents of Naifaru, Lavivani Atoll.

This medical outreach initiative in Maldives by the Thirteenth U.S. Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) is the latest in a series of ship visits by U.S. forces intended to strengthen bilateral ties and foster goodwill between the United States and the Republic of Maldives. 

The American group worked side-by-side with Maldivian medical personnel to augment local health care systems.  Over five days the medical teams treated 268 medical patients, conducting examinations, giving vaccinations, and providing classes on emergency medical procedures.  The dental team assisted a total of 400 patients with extractions of non-viable teeth, as well as training staff and giving presentations on dental hygiene to local students.  Visitors received toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss as encouragement to continue healthy dental hygiene. (more)

Secretary Clinton Appoints Special Envoy on Climate Change

On January 26th, 2009, Secretary Clinton appointed Todd Stern as a Special Envoy on Climate Change. Announcing the appointment at a press conference in Washington D.C., Secretary Clinton said:
"With the appointment today of a Special Envoy, we are sending an unequivocal message that the United States will be energetic, focused, strategic and serious about addressing global climate change and the corollary issue of clean energy." (more)

To read the press conference in full please click here. To watch a video of the press conference please click here.