Japan donates USD 7.6m to Maldivian Coastguard

The government of Japan has donated USD 7.6 million (MVR 117 million) to the Maldivian Coastguard.

An agreement for the purpose was also signed at the Foreign Ministry today. Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives while Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives Keiko Yanai signed the agreement on behalf of Japan. 

Foreign Ministry stated that because of the aid, the capabilities of the Maldivian coastguard and maritime rescue and coordination center would be enhanced. The aid would also allow the Maldivian Coastguard to obtain the latest technology for communication, rescue purposes as well as diving. 

Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid during the ceremony highlighted on the importance of cooperation between the two nations to stop activities related to radicalization and drugs and security of the Indian Ocean.

Japan had donated USD 1.4 million to the Maldives in October as well as a donation of 21 ambulances. The ambulances were deployed to 21 islands in the nation.