Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has concluded a productive trip to Japan in his capacity as the President-elect of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The foreign minister departed on his two-day trip to Japan on Thursday, on the invitation of the government of Japan.

During his trip, FM Shahid called on Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga as well as Foreign Minister of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi.

Sitting down with the Japanese Prime Minister, FM Shahid conveyed the greetings and good wishes of the people and the government of Maldives, to the people and government of Japan.

Expressing appreciation for the Japanese government’s continuous support and assistance offered to the Maldives especially during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, FM Shahid briefed PM Suga on his priorities during the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

PM Suga was also briefed on the main themes of FM Shahid’s Presidency of Hope at the UNGA.

The visit, which also revolved around bilateral aspects of the relationship between Maldives and Japan, saw FM Shahid visiting his counterpart Foreign Minister Motegi, where the pair discussed several aspects of the ties enjoyed between both countries.

FM Shahid expressed gratitude to his counterpart for the support extended during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Further, calling on Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Yamada Shigeo, and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, FM Shahid engaged in discussions regarding his priorities for the UNGA presidency of hope.

He also shared his vision for the 76th UNGA session with journalists in Japan, who were briefed on several bilateral and international issues highlighted by the Maldivian foreign minister as well.

During the short visit, FM Shahid also met with the Maldives Paralympics team in Tokyo, where he congratulated the team on making history as it is the first time the country is competing in the paralympics. He added that “when our athletes are on track, a proud and grateful nation will be behind them too”.

Further, FM Shahid also met with two members of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship League, which has been instrumental in solidifying the relationship between both countries, Yoshitaka Shindo and Hon Yuko Obuchi whom he thanked for their continued efforts.

FM Shahid departed Tokyo, assured of Japan’s full support to his UNGA “Presidency of Hope”. Shahid, who was elected as the UNGA president in June, will take office next month.

He said he will convene a special U.N. meeting on climate during tenure, a last-minute push to raise nationally determined contributions to emissions reduction, as well as USD 100 billion for mitigation and adaptation efforts.