Coinciding with the 23rd National Cadet Camp, The Maldives has welcomed cadets from three countries in the South Asian region for the International Cadet Exchange Program.
According to a senior official of the Maldives National Cadet Corps (MNCC), cadets from India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are participating in the exchange program, which runs concurrently with the National Cadet Camp every year.
In the exchange program this year, four cadets from each country, accompanied by one senior official from India and Nepal, and two senior officials from Sri Lanka, totaling 16 individuals, would be attending the training camp at Girifushi Training Island.
The students arrived in the Maldives on Monday, December 25, and have already met with the Minister of Education Dr. Ismail Shafeeu and the Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau.
The official further confirmed that the exchange students are expected to meet with the President, Vice President, and senior officials of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) during their visit, which would last until January 3, 2024.
Additionally, the students would be taking part in the dinner night at Girifushi training island, where the cadet camp is currently underway.
This year, a total of 120 students from 42 schools across the Maldives are participating in the camp, including 80 boys and 40 girls.
Earlier, cadets from MNCC visited India for a 24-day visit to attend the Republic Day 2023 Parade in Delhi. During their visit, the cadets explored Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, and had met with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.