The Japanese government has donated a patrol boat to the Maldives.

Japanese Ambassador Ishigami Rumiko handed over the donation and Home Minister Ali Ihusaan accepted it on behalf of the Maldives government.

The patrol boat will be used by the Maldives Customs Service and the Coast Guard to ensure the safety and security of international ports.

It was donated under the Economic Cooperation Grant Act of the Japanese Government to strengthen the management and surveillance of Maldivian ports.

The training required to operate the vessel has been conducted in Japan and the Maldives with 23 Customs officers.