Maldivian government: French naval ships arrival was planned in advance

The government of Maldives has stated that the arrival of two French naval ships in the Maldives was planned in advance and would depart from the country today.

The two vessels anchored near the capital Male’ city yesterday morning. Photos and videos of naval helicopters from the two ships in different areas of the country and close to inhabited islands were also widely circulated on social media by the public.

In a news conference today, government spokesperson for the situation with the Covid-19 virus in the country, Mabrouq Azeez stated that the two shops had been traveling for a month to reach the Maldives. The ships arrived in the Maldives to conduct training exercises and also to commemorate 51-years of French-Maldivian diplomatic relations.

The vessels had arrived from Djibouti and had taken 29 days to reach the Maldives and due to a change of circumstances, the vessels would depart from the Maldives.

“With the current situation, our decision is that the vessels would dock in the Maldives, stock up on food supplies and fuel, before departing. No one from the vessels would disembark.” Said Mabrouq who added that the government usually gave permission to fly helicopters if a vessel with such capabilities docked in the country.

The French vessels were also given permission to fly their helicopters. A video of one of the helicopters parked on an uninhabited island of the country was also widely shared on social media. Mabrouq stated that the helicopter had landed on the island due to a technical issue faced. A second helicopter that went to assist the first helicopter had also landed on the island, according to Mabrouq.

“The helicopters have now returned to the vessel and they will depart from the Maldives today.” Said Mabrouq.

He also announced that cruise yacht had also arrived in the country with two people on board. The vessel had arrived in the country after the government imposed restrictions on such arrivals due to the situation with the virus. The yacht had requested to remain in the country for a week due to a shortage of fuel and the condition of winds.

“We have decided that the yacht can remain for refueling, but those on board cannot disembark and cannot leave the country until the quarantine period is completed.” Said Mabrouq. They will complete the quarantine period while onboard the yacht.