The Japanese government has extended a significant boost to the Maldives’ anti-corruption efforts, providing approximately USD 2.2 million in aid to enhance the operational capacity of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).
The official signing of the Exchange of Notes took place on Sunday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and the Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Takeuchi Midori, formalizing the agreement. This initiative falls under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme and aims to improve the ACC’s mobility infrastructure, ensuring the commission can respond efficiently to corruption cases across the country’s scattered islands.
The assistance package, valued at 300 million Japanese Yen (equivalent to USD 2.158 million), includes 14 vehicles and two marine vessels. These resources are expected to significantly enhance the ACC’s ability to investigate and address corruption allegations swiftly, regardless of geographic challenges.
Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Dr. Khaleel emphasized the project’s importance in strengthening governance and promoting transparency. “This initiative marks a critical step in building a more accountable government, ensuring that allegations of corruption are addressed promptly and effectively,” he noted.
Dr. Khaleel also expressed deep gratitude to the Japanese government for its unwavering support in bolstering the Maldives’ institutional frameworks. He highlighted Japan’s pivotal role in the nation’s socio-economic development, governance reforms, and efforts to combat corruption.
The ceremony coincided with the commemoration of 57 years of diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Japan. Reflecting on the enduring partnership, Minister Khaleel underscored Japan’s consistent contributions to the Maldives’ progress and reaffirmed the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing critical national challenges.
This latest aid underscores Japan’s commitment to supporting good governance and institutional development in the Maldives, further strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
