China military deal includes non-lethal equipment, training, Maldives pres reveals
"It is to offer various training opportunities to MNDF and to provide free non-lethal military equipment."
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Summary
"It is to offer various training opportunities to MNDF and to provide free non-lethal military equipment."
The military agreement signed with China includes provision of non-lethal military equipment and training, Maldives president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu revealed Tuesday.
The Defense Ministry said in an X post that China has signed an agreement to provide military assistance to Maldives to strengthen military relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by:
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Defense Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon on behalf of the Government of Maldives
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On behalf of China, Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation, who is currently in Maldives
However, details of the agreement had not been disclosed by the Defence Ministry.
President Muizzu who is on a campaign tour of the central Atolls told the residents of Dhaal Atoll Meedhoo the agreement with China involves provision of non-lethal military equipment and training of MNDF personnel.
"It is to offer various training opportunities to MNDF and to provide free non-lethal military equipment. This will enhance the technical capacity of our security forces," he revealed.
The president also said the agreement would be a huge boost for the country's efforts to enhance its own capacity to defend its independence and sovereignty.
The current government is known for its close ties with China. President Muizzu visited China last January and signed MoUs to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.