The new Ambassador of USA to the Maldives, Ms Patricia A. Butenis, presented her Credentials to the President this morning. The ceremony was held at the President’s Office.

The President congratulated Ambassador Butenis on her appointment, and welcomed her to the Maldives. The President noted that the Maldives and United States enjoyed close friendly bilateral relations, and stressed the important role that United States had played in the social and economic development of the Maldives over the years. He also thanked the Government of United States for its support and assistance to the Maldives.

Ambassador Butenis assured the President of her commitment to enhance existing close relations between the Maldives and United States, throughout her term in office. She also said that the United States wished to work closely with the Maldives on the issue of climate change as well as other issues of mutual concern.