The Japanese government has agreed to provide USD 2 million in grant assistance to strengthen the work of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Japanese Ambassador Takeuchi Midori signed the Exchange of Notes at a ceremony at the Foreign Ministry on Sunday.

ACC President Adam Shamil and other senior officials of the anti-corruption watchdog attended the ceremony.

Under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme, the assistance to ACC will improve its operational capacity and enhance its mobility infrastructure.

"The assistance, amounting to 300 million Japanese Yen (USD 2.158 million), will enable the ACC to efficiently respond to corruption allegations and conduct investigations across the geographically dispersed islands of the Maldives," the Foreign Ministry said in a press release.

During the ceremony, Khaleel emphasized that the project is a significant step towards building a more transparent and accountable government, ensuring swift and effective action on corruption in the Maldives.

He also reflected on the long-standing and friendly relations between the Maldives and Japan and thanked the Japanese government for their continued assistance.