US Navy ready to support Maldives

Monday, January 26th, 2009

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US Navy is standing by in readiness to support and provide assistance to Maldives and its citizens in many important areas, according to Commander of US Pacific Fleet Admiral Robert Willard.

He made the statement in response to a question posed by Miadhu Daily at a press conference held at President’s Office yesterday morning.

When asked the question whether the US Navy would provide assistance to Maldives in protecting its seas from foreign poachers especially such protection puts a heavy burden on the country’s finances, Admiral Willard replied that US Navy was very keen and ready to protect the territorial waters of the Maldives from foreign poachers and other trespassers and that affording such protection would be an easy task for the US Navy as many of its vessels operate in the region. He further revealed that discussions with concerned Maldives authorities are already underway regarding a possible cooperation between the two countries.

When asked whether US Navy would consider providing medical support to Maldivians in the form of establishing a quality hospital and managing it Admiral Willard replied although US Navy does not normally engage in establishing and operating hospitals it will provide medical support to Maldivians by operating medical camps in collaboration with Maldives Defense force.

He revealed that US Navy will provide support and training to Maldives Defense Force especially Maldives Coast Guard to increase their capacity and expertise in the discharge of their duties.

Admiral Willard also talked about Maldives natural beauty and his happiness to be here and stated that he was keen to return to Maldives.

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