Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has on Thursday met with a number of officials from the Government of Japan to hold discussions about areas of mutual interest.
As such, Minister Shahid met with Environment Minister of Japan, Yoshiaki Harada to discuss possible new projects for strengthening the resilience in the Maldives in battling climate change. Especially in areas such as coastal protection, water supply networks as well as sanitation mechanisms.
While the Japanese government reiterated their full support with the Maldives in continuing to assist the small island nation, both parties had discussed on ways to commemorate new joint projects.
The meeting was joined by Economic Development Minister Fayyaz Ismail, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel and Maldives Ambassador to Japan Ibrahim Uwais as well as some senior officials at the Foreign Ministry.
Minister Shahid also met with Foreign Minister of Japan, Taro Kono on Thursday where both parties reiterated commitment to strengthen the close relations between both countries.
Discussions were held to strengthen bonds specifically in areas related to economic and social development in Maldives such as fisheries, tourism and environment.
The meeting between Foreign Ministers of both countries was joined by Finance Minister Ameer and Economic Minister Fayyaz.
In 2007, Minister Shahid had paid a state visit to Japan to launch the Maldives Embassy in the country.
Ministers Shahid, Ameer and Fayyaz also met with President Wataru Takeshita and members of Japan-Maldives Parliamentarians Friendship League to discuss areas of cooperation. In the meeting, Minister Shahid requested for the support of the government’s economic agenda within Japanese entities as well.
Furthermore, a call was paid to President Akahoshi and Vice President Noguchi of the Japanese External Trade Organization to discuss increasing Japanese investments in the Maldives.
During Minister Shahid’s five-day state visit to Japan which began on the 19th of December, he had met with several top officials of the government to discuss areas of mutual interest to strengthen ties between both countries. The five-day state visit comes after having concluded President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s trip to India.
While this is the third state visit since assuming office in November, Minister Shahid is to conclude his trip to Tokyo, Japan on the 23rd of December. He previously visited India and the United Arab Emirates.
