The government of Japan, as well as the embassy will remain with the government and people of the Maldives, to get through the Covid-19 pandemic, together, says Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai.
During her speech in the virtual ceremony held on Thursday afternoon to sign the exchange of notes after the Japanese government approved a grant aid of MVR 68,750,000 to the government of Maldives, Ambassador Yanai noted that Maldives is facing “unprecedented challenges” due to the global pandemic and that Japan stands in solidarity with the island nation.
I assure you that my country is with you and so is the Embassy, we will get through this together with all other international partners. I will continue to work with relevant authorities back home in order to find a way to provide as much assistance as possible for the people of Maldives.”Keiko Yanai, Japanese Ambassador to Maldives
Further, the ambassador extended gratitude to the everyone working in the frontlines of the Covid-19 response efforts, as they have shown “selfless commitment and diligence” by undertaking “crucial roles” to “protect, serve and improve” the health and well-being of the Maldivian people.
Over the past few months, the embassy has held several discussions with a number of stakeholders to identify the “pressing” needs of the Maldivian government in order to determine the relevant assistance that can be provided, said Yanai.
She highlighted that this will be done while ensuring the support being provided is in line with the development aims and priorities of Maldives.
In addition, the ambassador noted that this assistance is directly linked to the policy under the Strategic Action Plan of the government of Maldives.
Maldives, especially given the remoteness and vulnerabilities of islands, maintaining secure maritime, land and air borders is a key to the national security and public safety, and coordination among the relevant agencies is extremely important. “Keiko Yanai, Japanese Ambassador to Maldives
She went on to express gratitude to the closeness with which the government worked with the embassy’s team, and expressed hope that the assistance will “greatly enhance” public safety and security in the island nation.
The virtual ceremony was attended by Minister of State Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, and Multilateral Secretary Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed as well as the Controller of Immigration Mohamed Ahmed Hussain and the Acting Commissioner of Maldives Customs Service Abdulla Shareef.
The grant aid was in support of the government’s efforts to promote the economic and social development in the country, with a view to further develop friendly and cooperative relations between both countries.
As such, the grant aid will be utilized to boost the capacity of the Maldives Customs Service and Maldives Immigration, towards enhancing border control and counter terrorism.
