"Very recently, we have committed to give four patrol boats to the Maldivian navy. We are also discussing giving them an aircraft. All these vessels, and other resources, are necessary [for the Maldives] to maintain the security of that area," Lu said.
Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs of the US Department of State Donald Lu has stated that the United States of America is holding deliberations to gift Maldives patrol boats and an aircraft to aid in patrolling the ocean territory and borders.
Speaking at the Indo-Pacific Relations panel discussion held at United States Institute for Peace (USIP) last Friday, Lu said that Maldives, with about 1200 isles, has to monitor an ocean territory of approximately 53,000 kilometers.
"That's about the area of France. Even though we see Maldives as a small country, they have to maintain the security of an area that large," Lu said.
Lu maintained that security of such a large area in the Indian Ocean can only be maintained through having the necessary technology, training, and resources. He declared that it is a responsibility of larger nations to ensure that the Maldives is provided with these.
"Very recently, we [America] have committed to give four patrol boats to the Maldivian navy. We are also discussing giving them an aircraft. All these vessels, and other resources, are necessary [for the Maldives] to maintain the security of that area," he said.
Currently, Maldives has a number of aircraft gifted to them by the Indian government. The matter has become contentious as Indian military personnel were stationed in the country to operate said aircraft.
The current administration has now reached an agreement with India to replace Indian military personnel with qualified civilians from the country.
The Maldives' administration maintains that it will not allow any foreign military personnel to be stationed in the country for any purposes.
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