The government of Japan has played an instrumental and constructive role in supporting the development journey of Maldives, says Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel.

The state minister made this remark during a courtesy call paid on him by the Director General of Southeast and Southwest Asian Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Arima Yutaka, on Wednesday.

The meeting saw State Minister Khaleel expressing deep appreciation for the historic ties between the two countries which he described to have served as a strong foundation for cooperation.

Khaleel went on to acknowledge the significant advancements achieved in the bilateral relationship and shed light on the instrumental role Japan plays in the island nation’s development.

During the meeting, Director General Arima expressed the Japanese government’s strong commitment to further consolidate and strengthen the longstanding relationship between Maldives and Japan.

Director General Arima also highlighted their shared vision and noted that Japan remains invested to reinforce collaboration with Maldives in key areas including development assistance as well as enhancing people-to-people ties.

Additional Secretary Amin Javed Faizal, Joint Secretary Mariyam Midhfa Naeem, Senior Undersecretary Fathimath Naeema and Assistant Director Mohamed Shujau accompanied State Minister Khaleel during the meeting.