The 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Japan in 2022, is an opportunity to further boost the relations to greater heights, says Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel.

The state minister made this remark during a meeting with the new Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Takeuchi Midori, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting saw State Minister Khaleel congratulating the ambassador on the commencement of her tenure and expressing confidence that the long-standing ties between the two countries will continue to prosper during her ambassadorial tenure.

Going on to express his heartfelt appreciation for the continued assistance and co-operation received from Japan towards the socio-economic development of Maldives, especially during the country’s Covid-19 response efforts, the state minister expressed his intention to take the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and further elevate relations to newer, greater heights.

The Japanese ambassador expressed her sincere gratitude for the warm welcome and expressed her determination to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Maldives and Japan throughout her tenure.

The meeting was joined by Additional Secretary Javed Faizal, Executive Director Fathimath Naeema and Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Shujau.

The new Japanese ambassador presented her Letters of Credence to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on January 20.

The second female resident ambassador appointed to the Maldives from Japan, Ambassador Midori took over from her predecessor, Keiko Yanai who served as Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives from January 2019 to December 2021.