Malé, Maldives – Japan has donated anti-terrorism equipment to the Maldives under the Japanese Government’s “Project of grant aid for the Economic and Social Development Program”.
Keiko Yanai, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives and Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi participated in the ceremony held Wednesday evening to commemorate the donation, along with Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdullah Shamaal, Deputy Minister of Defence Hassan Zameel, General Officers and AVESCOM high officials.
Defence Minister Mariya stated that the equipment and vehicles would be extremely helpful in the fight against terrorism in Maldives. These include heavy duty vehicles, mobile x-ray scanner, liquid scanner and hand-held metal detectors. Minister Mariya added that with the equipment would help prepare for and prevent future dangers, strengthen the screening, prevention and response, and update the Aviation Security Command (AVSECOM).
Minister Mariya said that the main aim of terrorists and extremists is to destroy the log held freedom and peace of Maldives. Japan donating millions of dollars worth of equipment to prevent this, symbolizes the timeless friendship between the two countries.
The government of Japan pledged USD 3.7 million to develop the operations at the MRCC in February 2021. The funds will be provided through 3 years, establishing a training facility in the first year, and Search and Rescue Maritime Law Enforcement Training Programs conducted in the second year.
While in November 2020, Japan donated USD 7.6 million to procure communication equipment and diving gear to the Maldivian Coastguard.
