Signing of Letter of Intent with Maldives National University

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the Maldives National University (MNU) signed a letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate in areas of inquiry, research and publications focused on socio – politics, violent extremism, strategic studies, national security issues, ICT, Law and military and general history.

Vice Chancellor of the Maldives National University (MNU) Dr. Ali Fawaz signed the LOI on behalf of the Maldives National University. Director General Brig. Gen. Zakariyya Mansoor signed the LOI on behalf of the National Counter Terrorism Centre.

After the signing of the LOI, Dr. Ali Fawaz emphasized the need for the Maldives National University to assist Government institutions in their decision-making process through academic endeavors. He further emphasized the importance of the agreement in assisting the National Security Sector to better understand the underlying issues that lead to Radicalism, violent Extremism and Terrorism.

Brigadier General Mansoor provided and overview of the recent programs with national collaborative efforts and programs being conducted to prevent and counter spread of radicalization and violent extremist ideology. Brigadier General Mansoor also stressed on the need for enhancing the international collaboration and also highlighted on the focus on synchronizing NCTC’s programs with UN Maldives programs.

Director General Brig. Gen. Zakariyya Mansoor emphasized the importance of academic institutions in identifying the underlying reasons for the changes that occur in our society through research and education. He also stated that by signing the letter of Intent, we have initiated a new chapter in research collaboration between our two institutions which would lead to more informed decision making from the strategic level institutions.