Japan, US conduct paramedic training for Maldivian Coastguard

The US embassy in Colombo, in collaboration with the Japanese embassy in Male’, have conducted a paramedic training program for the Maldivian Coastguard. 

According to a statement released by the Japanese embassy on Thursday, the training was conducted from August 3-5, and was led by Captain Xiaotao Xu, Civil Military Support Element Director and SSG Nathan Greene, Civil Military Support Element Medical Advisor from the US embassy in Colombo. 

33 officers from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Coastguard completed the training. 

Japanese embassy noted that Coastguard officers are first responders to all maritime accidents, making it important that they are trained to provide medical assistance. 

The training this August marks the second such training program for Maldivian Coastguard officers conducted by Japan and US. 

The first training program was conducted from March 9-10. 16 divers from the MNDF Coastguard Dive and Salvage Unit completed the training. 

The Japanese embassy said in its statement that Japan and US remain committed to maintaining its friendly relations with Maldives. 

Japan extended a grant of USD 7.6 million to Maldives to provide Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) communication equipment to strengthen the operation of the Coastguard in search and rescue operations and maritime security operations, as well as professional dive equipment to support Coastguard divers in November last year. 

The Japanese embassy said that Japan and US will continue to work together with Maldives to advance prosperity and ensure safety and security of the people of the three countries, as well as the entire region and beyond.