In a testament to the enduring partnership between Maldives and Japan, an Exchange of Notes was signed on 07th May 2025, Wednesday to facilitate the provision of two harbour craft vessels to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malé and marks a new chapter in bilateral cooperation aimed at enhancing maritime security and operational readiness.
The Exchange of Notes was formalised by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, and the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, H.E. Ishigami Rumiko. The initiative falls under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme and entails a grant assistance of 400 million Japanese Yen, approximately USD 2.8 million for the supply of two fully equipped harbour crafts.
This contribution is designed to bolster the capabilities of the MNDF Coast Guard, particularly in executing critical missions such as search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and safeguarding coastal communities across the archipelago. The vessels are expected to serve as vital assets in patrolling the vast maritime territory of the Maldives, which spans over 900,000 square kilometers.
During his remarks at the event, Minister Dr. Khaleel expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s continued support across multiple sectors, especially in strengthening maritime infrastructure and security. He emphasised that the new vessels would significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s operational effectiveness and readiness to respond to emergencies at sea.
The Minister also highlighted that this initiative reflects a shared commitment between the two countries to uphold peace, safety, and the rules-based order of the Indo-Pacific region. He acknowledged Japan’s broader contributions to the Maldives’ development and welcomed Japan’s recent decision to appoint a Defence Attaché to the Maldives, which is expected to facilitate even closer collaboration on defence and security matters.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the Embassy of Japan attended the ceremony, reflecting the high-level engagement between both governments.
This latest act of cooperation between the Maldives and Japan not only reinforces maritime safety in the region but also strengthens diplomatic and defence ties, an important element for maintaining the secure and peaceful waters that continue to attract travellers from across the globe to the Maldives.
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