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President George W. Bush

President George W. Bush sends congratulations to Maldives

July 21, 2008

Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to you and the people of the Republic of Maldives on the 43rd anniversary of your independence on July 26.

I would also like to express my hope that the Maldives’ upcoming elections will be peaceful, free, and fair and that your country’s pursuit of democracy will serve as an inspiring example to other countries around the world.  Americans value their friendship with your country, and we look forward to continuing to broaden our partnership.  Please accept our best wishes for the continued prosperity of the Maldivian people in the coming year.

Sincerely,
George W. Bush

 

Ambassador Blake with Trade Minister Mohamed Jaleel 
at the opening of the  “American Pavilion” at the
Maldives Hotel & Trade Show (MHTE), held
July 15-17th, 2008 at the Dharubaaruge Conference
Center in Male’.

United States Tsunami Reconstruction Aid: U.S. Embassy and Maldives Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure Start Work on New Harbor on Dhuvaafaru Island

Maldives Deputy Minister of Construction
and Public Infrastructure Mohamed Ibrahim,
U.S. Ambassador Robert Blake and
Acting Atoll Chief Mohamed Fulu at the
opening ceremony for the construction of a
new harbor on Dhuvaafaru Island.

Dhuvaafaru, July 14, 2008: The United States Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, announced today the beginning of construction of a tsunami reconstruction project on the Maldives island of Raa Dhuvafaaru.  

The project will involve construction of a new breakwater, quay wall, and dredging of a harbor basin.  The project is valued at about USD $5.4 million, with the U.S. Government and the Maldives Government each contributing an equal amount. 

Dhuvaafaru, located in Raa Atoll, is being developed as a “safe island” that is planned to become home to 4,000 Maldivians, many of whom were displaced by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.  It is one of thirteen islands to benefit from USD $12 million donated by the United States Government to Maldives for tsunami relief and reconstruction. (more)

Other News From VPP

Senior U.S. State Department Official Visits Maldives July 2

Colombo, July 3, 2008:  Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Evan Feigenbaum visited Maldives July 2 as part of the U.S. Government’s continuing consultations with the Government of the Republic of Maldives.  During his visit, Feigenbaum met with President Gayoom and members of his government, including Attorney General Azima Shakoor, Minister of Legal Reform, Information and Arts Mohamed Nasheed, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Hamid.  He also met with members of the Majlis and representatives of other political parties. (More)

Ambassador Robert Blake meets with Maldivian press

Ambassador Robert Blake Meets with Maldivian Press

The Ambassador of the United States of America to Maldives and Sri Lanka, His Excellency Robert Blake Jr. met with Maldivian government officials and was a guest speaker at the "Partnering for a Safer Sea" Conference organized by the South Asia Regional Port Security Cooperative on May 18-20, 2008.  On May 20, 2008 Ambassador Blake met with members of the Maldivian media including Dhi FM, Minivan News, Miadhu Daily, Haveeru Daily, Maaluafaanu.com, TV Maldives and Voice of Maldives Radio to discuss his visit. 

Ambassador Blake’s remarks and questions from the press

Ambassador Blake's Introductory Remarks "Partnering for a Safer Sea” Conference South Asian Regional Port Security Cooperative Sun Island, Maldives, May 19, 2008

 

US Coast Guard Admiral Craig Bone with
President Gayoom and Ambassador Blake

I am honored to be here with representatives of such a diverse group of Indian Ocean nations for the “Partnering for a Safer Seas” Conference, the inaugural conference of the South Asian Regional Port Security Cooperative or "SARPSCO." 

I would like to thank the Government of Maldives, especially Minister Saeed and his Ministry of Transport and Communications, for hosting the conference on this beautiful island.   I would also like to recognize and thank my United States Coast Guard colleagues for their hard work in facilitating the organization of this conference.  And I must say what a privilege it is for me to represent my country in Maldives.  Each time I visit, I appreciate the warm hospitality of the Maldivian people and the phenomenal natural beauty of this remarkable island nation. (more)

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• U.S. Embassy Sri Lanka


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