The Maldives and Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of maritime safety and security.
The agreement was signed during a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence and National Security.
Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldivian government, while Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, Commander of the Australian Border Force, signed on behalf of Australia.
Senior officials from the Maldives National Defence Force and Australian Ambassador to the Maldives David Jessup attended the signing ceremony.
Under the agreement between the Ministry of Defence and the Australian Border Force Command, the two countries will establish a framework for joint training programmes, maritime surveillance activities, and the exchange of information and expertise.
According to the government, the primary objective of the MoU is to facilitate effective cooperation between the Maldives and Australia in addressing challenges within the Maldives’ maritime domain.
Australia remains a key partner providing assistance to the Maldives, particularly in the defence sector.
The government noted that Australian support has included the recent donation of a Guardian-class patrol boat to the Maldives National Defence Force as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional safety and security cooperation.