Secretary Bilateral of Maldives Ahmed Khaleel has met with Ambassador of Japan Kazumi Endo and discusses the issue regarding the vessel named “Xin Yuan 18”.
Discussions were focused on the case regarding the illegal use of a Maldivian Flag on the vessel, at the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives. The Bilateral Secretary extended full support and cooperation of the Government of Maldives to Japanese Ambassador on investigating the case.
The Transport Authority of Maldives has confirmed the alleged Maldivian-flagged vessel “Xin Yuan 18” is not a vessel registered with the Authority.
Furthermore, the Maldivian authorities do not allow flag of convenience to foreign owned vessels to operate outside Maldivian waters, and therefore, the use of the Maldivian flag on "Xin Yuan 18" is clearly a violation of the Maldivian laws and regulations.