Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai has been showered with praise from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for her “tremendous” commitment to enhance the long-standing ties between Maldives and Japan.

The Japanese ambassador paid her farewell call on the Maldivian president at the President’s Office on Wednesday.

The meeting saw President Solih acknowledging Japan’s prominent role to support the development of Maldives, including the assistance in major projects like the seawall constructed around Malé, as well as scholarship opportunities provided for students in the Maldives over the years.

Expressing commitment to promote the rich culture of Maldives in Japan, the ambassador thanked the government of Maldives for the support and assistance extended throughout her tenure.

Further, the president also expressed gratitude for the JPY 5 billion granted to assist in the emergency response to Covid-19, which he described as the greatest concessional loan to the Maldives by Japan, so far.

The loan, he said, demonstrates the Japanese government’s generosity and the close bilateral friendship enjoyed between both countries.

Discussions were also held on the pair’s visit to Tokyo in October 2019.

The meeting also saw the pair addressing future avenues for cooperation between Maldives and Japan.

President Solih and Ambassador Yanai expressed keen interest to advance the bilateral relatiions between Maldives and Japan.

Maldives and Japan will mark the 55th anniversary since the inception of bilateral relations between both countries, in 2022.