Japan donates $2.8m harbour crafts to Maldives coast guard
Khaleel welcomed Japan’s decision to appoint a defence attaché to the Maldives.
Maldives and Japan on Wednesday signed the exchange of notes for the provision of two harbour crafts to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.
Foreign minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel and the Japanese ambassador Ishigami Rumiko signed the agreement at the foreign ministry.
The 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.
Khaleel 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.
Khaleel welcomed Japan’s decision to appoint a defence attaché to the Maldives, and expressed hope for continued collaboration in defence and security initiatives.
