Maldives and Japan have signed an Exchange of Notes for the provision of two harbour crafts to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s Coast Guard.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel and the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko signed the Exchange of Notes at a ceremony held Wednesday.
This Exchange of Notes, under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme, provides assistance amounting to 400 million Japanese Yen (approximately USD 2.8 million) to strengthen the operational capacity of the MNDF Coast Guard.
During the ceremony, the Minister expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support to the Maldives. The Minister noted that these assets would strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct search and rescue operations, enforce maritime law, and protect coastal communities.
The Minister also underscored that this cooperation reflects the mutual commitment of the Maldives and Japan to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and acknowledged Japan’s longstanding contributions to the Maldives’ development and maritime security. He welcomed Japan’s decision to appoint a Defence Attaché to the Maldives, and expressed hope for continued collaboration in defence and security initiatives.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Planning and the Embassy of Japan.