"US-Maldives Defence and Security relationship has grown tremendously"
Minister Mariya stated that the US State Partnership Program will go a long way in building the capacity and readiness of the Maldivian Defence Sector
Minister of Defence Mariya Didi and Adjutant General of Montana National Guard Major General John Hronek
Minister of Defence Mariya Didi has stated that the US-Maldives Defence and Security relationship has grown tremendously over the past three years.
Minister Mariya made the remark at the signing ceremony of the Montana National Guard State Partnership Program held at the Integrated Headquarters of Maldives National Defece Force (MNDF).
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Mariya said the Maldives’ enrollment in the prestigious program is one solid outcome of the Framework Agreement signed in September 2020, which formalized the way forward in cementing US-Maldives Defence and Security cooperation.
Minister Mariya stated that the US State Partnership Program will go a long way in building the capacity and readiness of the Maldivian Defence Sector to meet today’s challenges.
In her speech, she stated that by enrolling in the Program, the President Solih administration is reiterating their commitment to the deepening of the US-Maldives Defence and Security relationship.
Additionally, she stated that the Montana National Guard State Partnership Program is tailored to meet the unique requirements of Maldives' defence and security landscape. As such, she highlighted that the program facilitates engagements in key areas such as Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Cyber Defense and Communication Security, Aviation Security Operations, Leadership Development, Military Medical and Engineer Activities, Operational Logistics and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Environmental Defense and Response.
While the agreement was signed by the Minister of Defence Mariya Didi on behalf of the Maldivian government, Adjutant General of Montana National Guard Major General John Hronek, signed the agreement on behalf of the US government.
The ceremony was attended by Members of the US Delegation, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal and officers of Maldives National Defence Force, Chief Executive Officer of National Disaster Management Authority Mr Hisan Hassan, and Director of Anti-Human Trafficking Mr Ali Jaishan Amir.
