Male’, Maldives – Under their Economic and Social Development Program, Japan has signed an exchange of notes today to provide MVR 117 million in aid to the Maldivian Coastguard and Maritime Rescue Coordination Center.
At a ceremony today at the Ministry of Foreign affairs, the exhnage of notes was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Maldives Abdulla Shahid and Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives Keiko Yanai.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldives National Defence Force, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Embassy of Japan attended the signing ceremony today.
Foreign Ministry has said that with this generous donation, the capacity of the Maldivian Coastguard, their vessels, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center, and various Sub regional centers will be greatly improved. And that this will allow for the procurement of the latest communication tech, various search and rescue equipment and coastguard diving equipment.
Speaking today, Minister Shahid said that Maldives and Japan must work together to stop piracy and smuggling in the Indian ocean. He added that he appreciates the work Ambassador Keiko Yanai has done to strengthen the relationship between Maldives and Japan and thanked the Japanese government for the continued support they provide to the Maldives.
Japan has proven to be a strong ally of Maldives during the tough times Covid-19 has put Maldives in, having have donated MVR 30 million in various forms and mediums. They have also provided a USD 47.5 million loan at an interest rate of 0.01 percent, to be repaid in 15 years.
