Minister of Defence Ahmed Ghassan Maumoon has emphasised President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's dedication to safeguarding the Indian Ocean's security. He made the remarks following the commencement of this year's Exercise Dosti, which is a collaborative effort involving the coast guards of India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Ghassan stressed the significance of collective action among regional nations to uphold maritime security. He also highlighted the numerous trade routes traversing the Indian Ocean.
Additionally, Minister Ghassan underscored the imperative for joint efforts in countering maritime terrorism and addressing the impacts of climate change on the seas. He reiterated President Dr. Muizzu's commitment to strengthening the Maldives' defense capabilities for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region. He also urged cooperation among neighboring countries to confront challenges such as maritime terrorism, transnational crimes, and extreme weather events threatening the Indian Ocean's security.
Exercise Dosti was initiated in 1991 by the Maldives and India and expanded to include Sri Lanka in 2012. It aims to facilitate joint operations for search and rescue, medical evacuations, piracy prevention, and humanitarian assistance in maritime emergencies.