President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that the relationship between the Maldives and the United States is important to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean region.
He made the remarks during his speech at the Deans Leadership Series of Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs.
"The relationship between the Maldives and the United States is crucial, in upholding a rule-based international order in the Indian Ocean," Muizzu stated.
He noted that more than 75 percent of commercial transactions between Asia and Europe passes through the Indian Ocean.
"The most frequent routes in the Indian Ocean, are either passing through the Maldives, or just above it," he said.
He said that groups who want to sway the balance of power in the Indian Ocean "would find the Maldives an attractive place to influence."
"We, in the Maldives, are keenly aware of this," the President added.
His comments come at a time when the United States has been backing Israel's genocide in Palestine and Lebanon.
The current government seeks to maintain closer ties with the United States and this has led to criticism from some members of the public.
