Japan remains with the Maldives in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic: Ambassador
21 މެއި 2020 | ބުރާސްފަތި 12:14Yanai expressed hope that the assistance will “greatly enhance” public safety and security in Maldives
The grant aid was in support of the government’s efforts to promote the economic and social development
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.
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.
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.
