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US grants $3 mill in aid to Maldives

An MoU has been signed between Maldives and the United States, securing USD 3 million in aid to the Maldives.

According to the Foreign Ministry, 'Development Objective Grant Agreement' and 'MoU on the the Fulbright Academic Exchange Program' were signed between both countries.

The two agreements would improve the resilience of individuals and communities, to drive inclusive and sustainable development, said the Foreign Ministry. It is expected that the relationship between both countries in the education sector will be strengthened due to the academic exchange program.

During a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid signed the MoU on Fulbright Exchange Academic Program on behalf of the Government of the Maldives while Ambassador of the United States of America to the Maldives Alaina Teplitz signed the agreement on behalf of Government of the United States.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel on behalf of the Government of the Maldives signed the Development Objective Grant and USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman signed the agreement on behalf of the US.

The Fulbright Exchange Program was first signed between Maldives and US in 2003. The MoU signed on Tuesday extends the agreement by another five years.

The Fulbright Program is one of several United States Cultural Exchange Programs whose goal is to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy, and intercultural competence between the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. It is one of the most prestigious and competitive fellowship programs in the world.