The Government of Maldives and the Government of Japan, with a view to further developing friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, have signed an Exchange of Notes. Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Ambassador of Japan to Maldives Kazumi Endo signed the Exchange of Notes on behalf of the two respective countries.
The signing ceremony held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives was also witnessed by Special Advisor of the Prime Minister of Japan Kentaro Sonoura, who is on a one-day official visit to Maldives. Under the terms of the Exchange of Notes, the Government of Japan will extend to the Government of Maldives, a grant of about USD 2.66 million, for further promoting the economic and social development of Maldives. This grant will be utilised towards strengthening oil spill prevention and response, to reduce harmful environmental impact of oil spills in Maldives.
In his remarks during the ceremony, Foreign Minister Shahid thanked the Government and the people of Japan for the generous assistance. The minister also highlighted it is through the genuine efforts to understand the vulnerabilities and the development needs of Maldives, that Japan has become and continues to remain as one of the most important development partners, a steadfast supporter and a key partner of social and economic development.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from Ministry of Defence, the Coast Guard, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials from the Embassy of Japan in Maldives.