State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Member of the House of Representatives, Takei Shunsuke has concluded his Official Visit to the Maldives.

The State Minister of Japanese Foreign Ministry arrived in the Maldives on Monday. His visit to the Maldives was an official visit to commemorate the 55th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Japan.

During the visit, State Minister Takei Shunsuke paid a courtesy calls on the Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

In his comments at the call, President Solih welcomed Japanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Takei Shunsuke to the Maldives. He also conveyed best wishes to the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida.

The President and the Japanese State Minister of Foreign Affairs shed light on the longstanding bilateral relations between the Maldives and Japan and noted that this year marks the 55th anniversary of establishing bilateral relations between the two countries.

President Solih and Shunsuke also discussed various matters of mutual interest, including enhancing socio-economic cooperation, regional security, people-to-people contact, disaster prevention, waste management, and climate change.

President Solih stated that Japan is a significant development partner for the Maldives and extended his gratitude to the Japanese government for its generosity and assistance over the years.

President Solih and Shunsuke expressed their mutual commitment to continue working together for the common good of both countries.

The state Minister also paid a courtesy call on the Maldivian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid.

During the meeting, Minister Shahid welcomed State Minister Takei Shunsuke to the Foreign Ministry, and highlighted the enduring strength of the Maldives-Japan ties and the close people-to-people contact that form the foundation of the bilateral relationship.

Minister Shahid and State Minister Shunsuke reflected on the close historical relationship between Maldives and Japan, and exchanged views on key areas of bilateral and multilateral interest.

In commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, both Minister Shahid and State Minister Takei Shunsuke reaffirmed their commitment to further enhance the partnership bilaterally, within the bilateral and multilateral frameworks.

State Minister Shunsuke paid a courtesy call on the Maldivian Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Aminath Shauna and discussed a variety of opportunities to transform Maldives into climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable nation.

The Japanese State Minister also met with the Maldivian Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi and Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal.

The meeting saw discussions held on various possibilities of coordination to enhance safety and security in Maldivian archipelago.

State Minister Shunsuke also signed an Exchange of Notes between the two countries relating to a project on waste management, and attended the ceremony to unveil the Seawall Tetrapod Monument.

State Minister Takei was seen-off at the Velana International Airport by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amin Javed Faizal.