Japan signs a MVR 41 million grant assistance deal with Maldives

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid (R) and Japanese Ambassador to Maldives, Kazumi Endo (L) sign exchange of notes for a MVR 41 million grant assistance to Maldives in a function at Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 4, 2018. (Photo/Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Maldives and Japan has signed the exchange of notes for a grant assistance of MVR 41 million by Japan to Maldives.

The exchange of notes was signed in a function held at Ministry of Foreign Affairs this Tuesday.

The documents were signed by Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Japanese Ambassador to Maldives, Kazumi Endo.

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid (R) and Japanese Ambassador to Maldives, Kazumi Endo (L) sign exchange of notes for a MVR 41 million grant assistance to Maldives in a function at Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 4, 2018. (Photo/Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The function was also attended by Special Advisor to Prime Minister of Japan, Kentaro Sonoura, who is on a one-day visit to Maldives.

Foreign Ministry reports the grant will be used to strengthen oil spill prevention and response, and to reduce harmful environmental impact of oil spills in Maldives.

(From L-R) Japanese Ambassador to Maldives, Kazumi Endo, Special Advisor to Prime Minister of Japan, Kentaro Sonoura, and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid at Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 4, 2018. (Photo/Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Special Advisor Kentaro Sonoura later called on Shahid and discussed ways to further strengthen existing close relations, especially in areas related to socio-economic development of Maldives, reports Foreign Ministry.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ahmed Khaleel also hosted a lunch in honor of Kentaro Sonoura and the delegation from Japan this Tuesday afternoon.