Japan Donates Advanced Maritime Equipment to MNDF Coast Guard

The Japanese government has donated modern equipment for maritime search and rescue operations to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard.

In a special ceremony held at the Bandaara Koshi Auditorium, the equipment was officially handed over to the MNDF by Her Excellency Takeuchi Midori, the Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, on behalf of the Japanese government. The Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, received the equipment on behalf of the MNDF.

Speaking at the ceremony, Defence Minister Ghassan emphasized Japan's continuous support to the Maldives in various sectors and expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for this valuable donation to the MNDF. He also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to double the MNDF Coast Guard's vessels, operational equipment, and services in the near future. He noted that the newly donated equipment would significantly enhance the Coast Guard's ability to respond quickly and effectively in maritime emergencies.

The ceremony was attended by the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, MNDF General Officers, and senior officials from the Japanese Embassy. Dr. Hala Hameed, Secretary for Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also participated in the event.