Abdul Latheef
The Maldives is to provide emergency disaster supplies to Japan, following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the north-east of the country on Friday.
The Maldives has offered Japan in-kind assistance of 1,800 cases of canned Maldivian tuna, containing a total of 86,400 cans, to help feed a town affected by the disaster.
Acting Foreign Minister Mohamed Aslam said it was “right and proper” for the Maldives to help Japan respond to the disaster.
“Japan is a stalwart ally of the Maldives and our largest bilateral donor. Our relationship goes back many years with Japan supporting us in many sectors such as education and infrastructure. Japan also helped us when the devastating 2004 tsunami hit the Maldives and so the Maldives will stand by Japan during their time of need,” said Aslam.
The shipment of tuna is due to be sent to Japan shortly and will be dispatched to local disaster response officials.
The Japanese earthquake and resulting tsunami has claimed hundreds of lives, while over 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.