The framework for defense and security relations was signed in Philadelphia on September 10 between the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Reed Werner, and the Maldivian Defense Minister, Mariya Didi.
“The framework establishes the intention of both countries to deepen engagement and cooperation in support of maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean, and marks an important step forward in the defense partnership,” the Pentagon said.
The Indo-Pacific is a biogeographic region of the Earth’s seas, comprising the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean.
During discussions after the agreement was signed, Mariya said that the framework will strengthen defense and security cooperation between the two countries, the Maldives Sun Online portal reported.
Mariya said that peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and the Indian Ocean are linked to the best interests of both countries.
He stressed the importance of bilateral dialogue and engagement, in a context of growing transnational threats such as piracy, violent extremism, terrorism and illicit trade, which he said remain relevant, even in the midst of the global warfare pandemic. coronavirus.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense, the framework outlines a number of bilateral activities, including high-level dialogues, discussions, commitments and opportunities in areas such as maritime domain awareness, natural disasters and humanitarian aid operations, according to the report. .
Mariya said the Maldivian government sees the framework as an “important milestone” in defense and security cooperation between the Maldives and the United States.
Werner and Didi also discussed U.S. support for the island nation in its response to COVID-19 and areas for future cooperation, and agreed to work toward scheduling the first Defense and Security Dialogue, the Pentagon said.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that promotes the security and prosperity of all nations in the region, the Pentagon said.
The central Indo-Pacific includes the many seas and straits that connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
The resource-rich Indo-Pacific region is where China has tried to extend its influence. The United States has also been pushing for India to play a broader role in the strategically important region. China has already seized control of Pakistan’s strategic port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea.
China is involved in highly controversial territorial disputes in the South China Sea and with Japan in the East China Sea. Both areas are said to be rich in minerals, oil, and other natural resources.
Beijing claims almost the entire South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan have overlapping claims on the waterway.
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