The governments of the Republic of Maldives and Japan have signed four bilateral agreements.

In a press release issued on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the four Exchange of Notes signed on Monday mark a significant step in enhancing the existing ties between the two countries.

The four Exchange of Notes were signed during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The agreements were signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer on behalf of the Maldivian government, and Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Takeuchi Midori on behalf of the government of Japan.

The four bilateral agreements include an Exchange of Notes Provision of Customs Patrol Craft based on Economic Cooperation Grant Act of Japan and an Exchange of Notes for the grant of 260 Million Japanese Yen for the implementation of the Project for the Enhancement of Ability in Maritime Safety and Security.

Further, an Exchange of Notes for the grant of 600 million Japanese Yen for the Provision of Equipment towards Strengthening Maldives' National Response Capacity to High Frequent Natural Hazards through Community Empowerment to the National Disaster Management Authority, under the Economic and Social Development Programme, was also signed.

The last Exchange of Notes is for the provision of a grant totaling 56 million Japanese Yen for the Provision of Equipment to support operations of patrol vessels to the Maldives Customs Service, under the Economic and Social Development Programme.

Speaking at the ceremony, FM Zameer expressed sincere appreciation for the ongoing support extended by the government of Japan.

He shed light on the significance of this collaboration in enhancing the socio-economic development of the Maldives.

The foreign minister went on to emphasize the significant role Japan has been playing as one of the key development partners of Maldives.

Zameer expressed commitment of the Maldivian government to build upon the excellent diplomatic relations between Maldives and Japan further.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Maldives Customs Service, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives attended the signing ceremony.