President Mohamed Nasheed yesterday met with United States Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg.

 
Discussions at the meeting were generally focused on the close relations that exist between the Maldives and the United States, as well as furthering these relations in other areas including commerce and international cooperation.
 
President Nasheed and Deputy Secretary of State Steinberg also discussed the local council elections to be held on February 5, consolidation of democracy in the Maldives and threat of Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean.
 
The meeting was held at the Official Residence of the President, Mulee-aage.