US envoy to visit Maldives for talks on security and cooperation

The United States Special Representative for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, is scheduled to visit the Maldives and Sri Lanka for meetings with government officials, the US State Department said on Wednesday.

The visit will begin on Thursday and continue until Tuesday.

According to a statement, Gor will meet senior officials to discuss security cooperation, economic development and infrastructure support.

The State Department said the visit is part of efforts to maintain stability in sea routes in the Indian Ocean region.

It said discussions will focus on the safety of maritime routes and ports, as well as trade links.

The visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the United States.

The State Department noted the long-standing relationship between the two countries and referred to cooperation on regional security.

The visit comes amid developments in the region, including tensions linked to recent military activity involving Iran and the United States.

The United States has also raised concerns regarding an agreement involving Mauritius and sovereignty over the Chagos Islands.

The United States and the United Kingdom operate a military facility in Diego Garcia.