Japan provides grant aid of USD 5.1 million to the Maldives
The assistance is to progress the country's economic and social sectors
The signing ceremony was held on Monday
The Japanese government has provided a grant aid of 650 million Japanese Yen which is approximately USD 5.1 million, to the government of Maldives.
A ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, where the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel and the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Takeuchi Midori signed the Exchange of Notes relating to the grant aid.
The grant aid was provided to promote the economic and social development of the island nation.
The grant aid, which will be utilized to further solidify the resources and operational capabilities of the Marine Police and Traffic Police of the Maldives Police Service (MPS), includes the provision of marine vessels which will be used in countering terrorism, drug trafficking and other illegal activities in the maritime domain.
Further, the ministry revealed that it will also be utilized to procure modern traffic management equipment for traffic police officers to enhance the enforcement of roadside regulations and services to the general public.
Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister Khaleel highlighted the generosity of the government of Japan and shed light on the close and friendly relations that exist between the two countries.
Going on to state that such projects reflect Japan’s constant role as one of the key partners in the island nation’s development, the state minister expressed appreciation and stated that the Maldives will always cherish the historic bonds of friendship between our two countries
Further, the Japanese Ambassador also spoke at the ceremony, expressing her confidence that the promising partnership between Japan and the Maldives will continue to bloom.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MPS and the officials from the Embassy of Japan were in attendance at the ceremony.
