![Maldives [Shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Maldives-2224x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
September 21, 2019
July 25, 2019
July 8, 2019
February 20, 2019
Secretary Pompeo’s Meeting With Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid
February 20, 2019
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-Maldives Relations
The United States established diplomatic relations with Maldives in 1966 following its independence from the United Kingdom and has since enjoyed friendly ties. The United States has sought to support Maldives’ ongoing democratic initiatives, economic development, and social and environmental ambitions.
U.S. Assistance to Maldives
U.S. foreign assistance resources aim to promote and enhance democratic institutions, maritime security, counterterrorism, and law enforcement cooperation with Maldivian partners.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Maldives has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the United States and held its first meeting in October 2014, providing a forum to examine ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Maldives has been designated as a beneficiary country under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program, under which a range of products that Maldives might seek to export would be eligible for duty-free entry to the United States.
![Maldives Flag: Red with a large green rectangle in the center bearing a vertical white crescent moon; the closed side of the crescent is on the hoist side of the flag; red recalls those who have sacrificed their lives in defense of their country, the green rectangle represents peace and prosperity, and the white crescent signifies Islam [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/mv-lgflag.gif){kind=small}