Japan on Thursday presented the list of equipments which are to be provided to Maldives, under the Exchange of Notes signed between the two governments last October.
Ambassador of Japan to Maldives Keiko Yanai presented the list to Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid at a ceremony held at the ministry. The handover was witnessed by Ambassador of Maldives to Japan Ibrahim Uvais, and officials of the Embassy of Japan and foreign ministry.
Addressing the press afterwards, Ambassador Yanai disclosed that the list comprised of 13 items that will be utilised towards enhancing international and domestic airport security in Maldives. The items include mobile x-ray scanners, liquid scanners, handheld metal detectors, radios, cameras, and 44 vehicles ranging from sedans to four-wheel drive heavy duty SUVs.
"I hope this grant will enhance the current administration's ongoing efforts to combat terrorism", she said.
The Exchange of Notes between the two countries was signed during President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's state visit to Japan in October 2019. As per the agreement, Japan is providing a grant of 500 million Japanese Yen, which amounts to approximately USD 4.5 million, to promote the economic and social development of Maldives with a focus on strengthening counter terrorism measures.
In his remarks, Ambassador Uvais declared that the Japanese government will also provide a firewall and landing craft to Maldives National Defence Maldives (MNDF) under this grant.
He stated that the USD 4.5 million grant marked another milestone in working towards a stronger friendship between Japan and Maldives, and touched upon events that took place over the past year to boost bilateral ties. They included the high-level visits between the two countries, and deliberations on broadening cooperation across various areas including education, climate change, human resources, maritime, economic and fiscal affairs.
He further revealed that a macroeconomic and fiscal policy advisor from Japan is scheduled to arrive in January 2020, and that Maldives is working with a number of Japanese NGOs and universities to realise a broader educational opportunity framework and facilitate more cultural exchanges in the future.
Concluding his remarks, the ambassador extended his gratitude to the government and people of Japan for their continued commitment to the development of Maldives.
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