Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel and Japanese Special Envoy and Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina Akiko have discussed ways to further strengthen Maldives-Japan cooperation, during a meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.
The Special Envoy is currently undertaking an official visit to the Maldives from 25 to 27 July 2025.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel welcomed Special Envoy Ikuina Akiko and the delegation to the Maldives, and thanked Japan for the friendship and close partnership that has been nurtured between the two countries since Maldives’ independence. He made special mention of Japanese assistance to the Maldives during the 70’s and 80’s in the areas of education, telecommunication and fisheries, to name a few, and acknowledged that Japan’s valuable contributions have had a direct impact on local communities, by improving their livelihoods, enhancing welfare and education, and supporting economic growth throughout the years.
Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel also thanked the Japanese Government for the generous assistance in the renovation of the seawall, a structure that stands not only as a vital safeguard for the capital, but also as a lasting symbol of the deep-rooted friendship and solidarity between the two countries. Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel also mentioned that both countries will strengthen its cooperation bilaterally, as well as in the regional and international spheres.
Foreign Minister Dr Khaleel was accompanied by Ambassador-at-Large, Abdullah Hameed, Additional Secretary Amin Javed Faizal, Director Maryam Bassama Farooq and Assistant Director Mohamed Shujau.