The government of Japan has donated a specialised vessel for marine pollution response to the Maldives.
At a ceremony held at the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), the vessel was handed over by the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Takei Shunsuke and Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Takeuchi Midori. The donation was received by Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi.
During the ceremony, Minister Mariya noted the close and strong relationship between the Maldives and Japan and thanked the Japanese government for its generous assistance. She said the oil boom vessel donated by Japan to the MNDF Coast Guard will be an important asset to protect the Maldivian ocean and beaches from oil spills. She also highlighted Japan has provided a lot of assistance in infrastructure development, education, health care, and social development.
The vessel was donated in line with the Exchange of Notes signed between the Maldives and Japan in December 2018 under the Economic and Social Development Programme.