The office of the President of Maldives announced on Wednesday about the US’ plan to open a residential embassy in the Indian Ocean archipelago. The announcement coincided with the visit of US secretary of state Mike Pompeo to the country. 

The release from the president’s office described Pompeo's visit as a reflection of growing importance that the US vests in its bilateral relations with Maldives. It is the first time that such a US official was visiting the Maldives after the 1992 visit by then secretary of state, James Baker. 

Pompeo landed on Maldives after participating in an important 2+2 dialogue with India, and a quick stopover in Sri Lanka.