Maldivian coast guard took part in TTEX; 7th Conference of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians held in Maldives; President will visit India early next month; Japan provides aid for medical supplies to the Maldives; President to visit Japan in March 2014;
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  • (DECEMBER 16-22)

    Reports noted that Indian, Sri Lankan and Maldivian coast guard officers have concluded the maritime exercises for 2013 Trilateral Tabletop Exercise (TTEX), held in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. 1

    In another development, reports noted that SAARC Speakers of Parliament who are in the Maldives to attend the 7th Conference of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians, made a courtesy call on President Yameen Abdul Gayoom on December 21. 2

    Reports noted that the President’s Office has announced that President Yameen Abdul Gayoom would visit India early next month. 3

    In other developments, according to reports, Japan has awarded 200 million Japanese yen (MVR30 million) grant aid for medical supplies to the Maldives.4 The Japanese government has also invited President Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim for an official visit to Japan. President Yameen has accepted this invitation and decided to visit Japan in March 2014. 5
    Reports noted that Maldivian parliament has approved the government’s request for a loan of $29 million as budget support from Bank of Ceylon. This motion was submitted to the parliament by the government of former President Mohamed Waheed on September 13, 2013. The loan carries an interest rate of 8 percent and has a grace period of one year. The monthly repayment amount is $490,000. The parliament said earlier when it passed the budget for 2013, that the government should not take any loan that carries an interest rate of more than 7 percent. 6

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