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
The Maldives-Japan relations have endured the test of time over the last five decades, Japan has played a vital role in our efforts to achieve national progress, transcending to a number of fields including education, health, fisheries and sports, to name just a few. Japan has been a true and a trusted friend of the Maldives, a key development partner of the country. We will always be grateful and cherish the historic bonds of friendship between our two countries and the generous support and cooperation extended by the friendly people of Japan.”Ahmed Khaleel, State Minister.
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.
The pledge to donate these items today, is more proof that the government of Japan’s commitment to support law enforcement agencies through a comprehensive approach by acknowledging that having adequate high-qualifies equipment is essential for offices to carry out their duties. In this regard, I’d like to praise the Maldives Police Service today, that by the Commissioner Mohamed Hameed, for doing an exceptional job in identifying and investigating crimes that have been taking place at sea, including recent successful operations relating to drug trafficking, to terrorism and traffic operations. On behalf of Japan, I congratulate you and the officers for your great endeavors in keeping Maldives safe. This assistance will not have been possible without the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I extend my deepest gratitude to the state minister, Khaleel, senior management and colleagues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for facilitating and arranging this ceremony.”Takeuchi Midori, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MPS and the officials from the Embassy of Japan were in attendance at the ceremony.
