Japan to provide two harbour crafts to Maldives

Governments of Maldives and Japan have signed an Exchange of Notes for the provision of two harbour crafts to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.

The agreement was signed by Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, and Japanese Ambassador to Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko.

The assistance provided under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme is valued at 400 million Japanese Yen (approximately USD 2.8 million or MVR 43 million) to strengthen the operational capacity of Maldives Coast Guard.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Khaleel expressed gratitude to Japan for its continued support, and noted that the harbour crafts would strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct search and rescue operations, enforce maritime law, and protect coastal communities.

The Minister also highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, praising Japan’s longstanding contributions to the Maldives' development and maritime safety.

He welcomed Japan’s recent decision to appoint a Defence Attaché to the Maldives, expressing confidence in deepening cooperation on defence and security initiatives.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the Embassy of Japan attended the ceremony.