President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), commissioned the military vessel CGS Imaduddin, donated by the government of Australia in response to a request from the Government of the Maldives. The official ceremony was held this evening at the Hulhumalé International Terminal.

Upon his arrival, the President was received by Minister of Defence and National Service, Hassan Rasheed and Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem and the unveiling of the vessel's name plaque by the President. The Chief of Defence Force then presented the commissioning warrant to the vessel's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Mohamed Saleem.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Rasheed described the commissioning of CGS Imaduddin as a significant milestone in strengthening the Maldives' maritime security capabilities and a reflection of the close and enduring partnership between the Maldives and Australia. He noted that the vessel would enhance the MNDF Coast Guard's capacity to safeguard the nation's vast maritime territory and respond effectively to emerging challenges at sea.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to the Australian government for its continued support in strengthening the Maldives' defence capabilities through training, capacity-building, technical assistance and the provision of strategic assets.

As part of the ceremony, President Dr Muizzu presented commemorative plaques to the government of Australia, represented by Australia's High Commissioner to the Maldives, David Jessup, and to the Commanding Officer of CGS Imaduddin, Lieutenant Commander Mohamed Saleem. The President subsequently inspected the vessel before concluding the ceremony.

The Guardian-class patrol vessel was gifted under Australia's Defence Cooperation Programme to enhance the Maldives' maritime surveillance, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, fisheries protection, and other maritime security operations. The commissioning signifies another milestone in the longstanding defence cooperation and friendship between the Maldives and Australia.