Minister of Defence Mariya Didi, on Thursday, honoured the closing ceremony of a military training programme conducted for Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s Marines by a military training team from the United Kingdom (UK).
Addressing the closing of the Counter Terrorist Close Quarter Battle Course at MNDF’s Central Area Command Headquarters in Kahdhoo, Laamu Atoll, Minister Mariya welcomed the opening of a new chapter in the Maldives-UK Defence and Security relationship, with the resumption of training programmes for MNDF soldiers after a gap of over 2 decades.
The minister reiterated President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s commitment to building capacity in both the prevention aspects of Counter Terrorism and in developing an effective response mechanism.
In this regard, she highlighted the government’s National Terrorism Response Plan, which mandates MNDF to lead the lethal response if the need arises.
Shedding light on the contemporary threat environment, Mariya noted that in a world where terrorism is both transnational and networked in nature, enhanced intelligence-sharing and cooperation is the way forward for a safer and more peaceful global community.
Stressing the link between the tourism-powered economy of the Maldives and the culture of hospitality, warmth and peace offered by its people and islands, Minister Mariya emphasized the importance of training and preparing the nation’s soldiers against any threat, so as to ensure the perpetual safety of all visitors and citizens.
The closing ceremony was attended by British High Commissioner to the Maldives Caron Rohsler, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal, General Officers, members of the UK military training team and officers of the Maldives National Defence Force
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