Maldives NDF and USINDOPACOM organize Seminar

By
Precious Mushonga
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359
Maldives-US-Indo Pacific
Maldives NDF and US Indo-Pacific organize Counter Terrorism Seminar

Male/Honolulu, 21 June 2022 (TDI): The Defence Intelligence Service of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) jointly organized a Counter Terrorism Seminar.

Officers from respective Military Intelligence Directorates of the US, Maldives, Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand will also join the seminar.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

Its Area of Responsibility (AOR) includes approximately half the earth’s surface. Thus, stretching from the waters off the west coast of the U.S. to the western border of India, and from Antarctica to the North Pole.

The Asia-Pacific is culturally, socially, economically, and geo-politically diverse.  Therefore, the 36 nations consisting of the Asia-Pacific region are home to “more than 50% of the world’s population, 3,000 different languages, several of the world’s largest militaries, and five nations allied with the U.S.” by means of mutual defense treaties.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is part of six geographic Unified Combatant Commands of the United States Armed Forces.

It protects and defends, together with other U.S. Government agencies, the territory of the United States, its people, and its interests.

Together with allies and partners, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is committed to raising stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Especially through promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression, and, fighting to win when required. In line with this, the approach is based on partnership, presence, and military readiness.

Also, it recognizes the global importance of the Asia-Pacific region and understands that challenges are best faced in unity.

The Maldives and U.S.

On 10 September 2020, the Maldives and U.S. signed a Defense Agreement in Philadelphia.

Thus, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, Reed Werner, and Maldivian Minister of Defense, Mariya Didi signed the ‘Framework for U.S. Department of Defense-Maldives Ministry of Defence Defense and Security Relationship’.

Likewise, the Framework stated both countries’ purpose to deepen engagement and cooperation. That is in support of maintaining peace and security within the Indian Ocean and signaling an important step forward in the defense partnership.

Additionally, Werner and Didi discussed U.S. support for the Maldives’ response to COVID-19 including areas for future cooperation.

Both sides also agreed to work toward scheduling the first Defense and Security Dialogue. At the same time, they reiterated their commitment to a free as well as open Indo-Pacific. Particularly which promotes the security and prosperity of all nations in the region.