Japan has given 300 million Yen (MVR 42.19 million) for the development of the Maldives health sector, under the Japanese Economic and Social Development Cooperation Program.

Maldives foreign minister Dr. Mohamed Asim signed the Exchange of Notes at a ceremony in Tokyo on Friday. Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono signed on behalf of his country.

After the signing ceremony, the ministers discussed on areas of cooperation and agreed to work together to further strengthen the existing cordial relations.

The Embassy of Japan in Maldives said it expects that the fund will be used to develop the sate-run Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and the health centers across the nation, as well as to start and develop ambulance services in the islands.