The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) has launched two strategic initiatives in the military domain in the Maldives and signed a Joint Training Document with the Maldivian Ministry of Defence, marking a significant strengthening of defence and security cooperation between the two sides. The programmes, titled “Competence” and “Cyber”, were inaugurated on Monday, 24 November 2025, in Malé, in the presence of Minister of Homeland Security and Technology H.E. Ali Ihsaan, IMCTC Secretary General H.E. Maj. Gen. Mohammad bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, and a number of senior civil and military officials as well as diplomats.
Under the “Competence” initiative, IMCTC will work closely with Maldivian defence authorities to enhance the readiness of the country’s naval forces, with a particular focus on countering naval mine threats. The programme comprises an integrated training package that blends theoretical instruction with practical application. It includes specialized courses on the different types of naval mines, their operating mechanisms, and safe demining procedures, alongside extensive field training in detection, clearance and underwater operations using modern equipment and advanced technologies. This targeted capacity-building support is designed to equip Maldivian officers with the skills needed to manage evolving maritime risks and safeguard national waters.
The “Cyber” initiative is geared towards strengthening the Maldives’ cyber resilience by developing robust, modern digital defence capabilities. Through specialised training modules, Maldivian personnel will receive advanced instruction in digital protection, threat detection, cyber-attack response management and the protection of critical national infrastructure. The initiative supports the creation of stronger cyber systems that can operate in parallel with conventional defence assets, ensuring that operational readiness in the physical domain is matched by resilience in the digital space.
At the launch ceremony, IMCTC and the Maldivian Ministry of Defence signed the Joint Training Document, which sets out a strategic framework for cooperation in military and technical training, the exchange of expertise and the development of integrated capacities capable of confronting emerging threats. The document provides a structured pathway for long-term collaboration in training, development and capacity-building, and is expected to play a key role in aligning Maldivian defence training programmes with international best practice in counterterrorism and security operations.
Addressing the ceremony, IMCTC Secretary General H.E. Maj. Gen. Mohammad bin Saeed Al-Moghedi underscored the strong support and direct attention extended by HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defense and Chairman of the IMCTC Ministers of Defense Council. He noted that the guidance and strategic vision of His Royal Highness constitute a key pillar of IMCTC’s work in building the capacities of Member States and countering evolving terrorist threats. He commended the deepening partnership with the Republic of Maldives and stated that the launch of the “Competence” and “Cyber” initiatives reinforces the coalition’s efforts to build national capabilities across its Member States, in line with IMCTC’s comprehensive approach to countering terrorism across its main domains: Ideology, Communications, Counter-Terrorism Financing and Military.
The Secretary General further stressed that the current security environment demands advanced operational readiness backed by strong cyber systems that can function in tandem to protect national security. He emphasized that terrorism recognises no borders, targets all societies and threatens stability worldwide, adding that the cooperation between IMCTC and the Maldives reflects the depth of their shared commitment to confronting terrorism and extremism in all its forms.
In his remarks, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology H.E. Ali Ihsaan expressed appreciation to IMCTC for its continued support to the Maldives and underlined that the coalition presents an important opportunity to further strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism. He observed that Saudi Arabia’s initiative to establish IMCTC represents a significant step towards enhancing security cooperation among Islamic nations and highlighted that the Maldives has chosen to work closely with IMCTC because it recognises that the threat of terrorism cannot be addressed by any single country alone. The Minister noted that the two initiatives now underway directly address key national needs in improving both defensive and digital capabilities, and confirmed that cooperation with IMCTC would serve as an important enabler in enhancing national capacity and strengthening the state’s ability to protect its security and stability.
Minister Ihsaan also drew attention to IMCTC’s contribution to developing Maldivian human resources. He pointed out that Maldivian officers currently serving at the IMCTC Counter Terrorism Center in Riyadh are gaining valuable experience and actively contributing to international efforts on behalf of the country. According to the Minister, this has significantly enhanced the Maldives’ counterterrorism analysis and operational capacity and increased its regional participation. He further highlighted that the two programmes presently underway in the Maldives – cyber security training and the military training programme aimed at strengthening operational capability are of direct importance to the country’s wider security strategy.
The event concluded with both sides reaffirming that the launch of the “Competence” and “Cyber” initiatives represents an important step in the trajectory of cooperation between IMCTC and the Republic of Maldives. The initiatives open the door to a new phase of joint work in training, development and capacity-building, and are expected to contribute to regional security while strengthening national readiness to address terrorism and extremism in all its forms. These strategic programmes form part of IMCTC’s broader efforts to support its Member States through high-quality, advanced initiatives that enhance military preparedness, bolster cyber defences and deepen cooperation in confronting evolving threats. Through this partnership, IMCTC reiterated its strong commitment to supporting the security of its Member States, reinforcing regional stability and advancing a collective framework capable of countering terrorism and extremism with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
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