Defense Minister Mariya Didi says that in a world where terrorism is both transnational and networked in nature, enhanced intelligence-sharing and cooperation is the way forward for a safer and more peaceful global community.
She made the comments while speaking at the closing ceremony of a military training program conducted for Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s Marines by a military training team from the United Kingdom.
Addressing the closing of the Counter-Terrorist Close Quarter Battle Course at MNDF’s Central Area Command Headquarters in L.Kahdhoo, Minister Mariya welcomed the opening of a new chapter in the Maldives-UK Defence and Security relationship, with the resumption of training programs for MNDF soldiers after a gap of over 2 decades.
Mariya reiterated President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s commitment to building capacity in both the prevention aspects of Counter-Terrorism and in developing an effective response mechanism.
She highlighted the Government’s National Terrorism Response Plan, which mandates the Maldives National Defence Force to lead the lethal response if the need arises.
Shedding light on the contemporary threat environment, the Minister noted that in a world where terrorism is both transnational and networked in nature, enhanced intelligence-sharing and cooperation is the way forward for a safer and more peaceful global community.
Stressing the link between the tourism-powered economy of the Maldives and the culture of hospitality, warmth, and peace offered by its people and islands, Mariya emphasized the importance of training and preparing the nation’s soldiers against any threat, so as to ensure the perpetual safety of all visitors and citizens.
The closing ceremony was attended by British High Commissioner to the Maldives Caron Rohsler, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal, General Officers, members of the UK military training team, and officers of the Maldives National Defence Force.
