The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) launched today, Monday, in the Maldivian capital, Malé, the activities of the two strategic initiatives in the Military Domain, “Competence” and “Cyber”, in the presence of H.E. Ali Ihsaan, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, H.E. Maj. Gen. Mohammad bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, IMCTC Secretary General, along with several senior civil, military officials and diplomats.

The “Competence” initiative focuses on enhancing the readiness of Maldivian naval forces in the military field, particularly in dealing with naval mines. This includes an integrated training program combining theoretical as well as practical application through specialized courses that explain the types of naval mines, their mechanisms, safe demining methods, as well as extensive field training in detection, clearance, and underwater operations using modern equipment and advanced technologies.

Meanwhile, the “Cyber” initiative aims to build stronger cyber systems in the Maldives through specialized programs covering digital protection, threat detection, cyber-attack response management, and strengthening of national infrastructure security.

During the launch ceremony, IMCTC and the Maldivian Ministry of Defence signed the Joint Training Document, which represents a strategic framework for implementing the training programs in military, technical training, sharing of experiences, and building integrated capacities capable of confronting threats.

During his remarks on this occasion, H.E. IMCTC Secretary General highlighted the enormous support and direct attention of HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defense and Chairman of IMCTC Ministers of Defense Council. He underscored that His Royal Highness’s guidance and strategic vision constitute a key pillar in how IMCTC operates and supporting its efforts in building the capacities of its Member States and countering the evolving terrorist threats.

His Excellency commended the partnership with the Republic of Maldives, noting that the launch of the two initiatives strengthens efforts to build national capabilities across Member States and reflects IMCTC's vision to support its counterterrorism domains, namely Ideology, Communications, Counter-Terrorism Financing, and Military. He added that the modern security environment requires advanced operational readiness alongside strong, cyber systems operating in tandem that can safeguard national security.

The Secretary General further emphasized that this cooperation reflects the depth of partnership between the two sides in countering terrorism and extremism in all its forms, noting that terrorism recognizes no borders and targets everyone and threatens the stability of societies worldwide.

For his part, H.E. Ali Ihsaan, Maldives Minister of Homeland Security and Technology, commended IMCTC's support to the Republic of Maldives, affirming that the two initiatives address significant needs in developing both defensive and digital capabilities, and that cooperation with IMCTC will serve as an important enabler in enhancing national capabilities and strengthening the state's ability to protect its security and stability.

The event concluded by reaffirming that the launch of “Competence” and “Cyber” initiatives constitutes an important milestone in the path of cooperation between IMCTC and the Republic of Maldives, paving the way for a new phase of joint work in training, development, and capacity-building, hence contributing to regional security and strengthening national readiness to confront terrorism and extremism in all its forms.

It is worth noting that these strategic initiatives are part of IMCTC's efforts to support member states and enhance their national capabilities through high-quality, advanced programs that strengthen military readiness, cybersecurity and deepen cooperation in addressing evolving threats. Through these steps, IMCTC reaffirms its solid commitment to enhancing the security of member states, supporting regional stability, and advancing a collective framework capable of countering terrorism and extremism with higher efficiency and effectiveness.