Keiko Yanai, the new Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives has on Thursday presented her Letter of Credence to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Discussions of mutual interest were held during the ceremony held at the President’s Office on Thursday morning.

Congratulating Yanai on her appointment, President Solih expressed confidence that the friendly relations between the Maldives and Japan, that has marked bilateral ties will continue to prosper during her tenure.

The President’s Office revealed that President Solih had expressed interest to further cooperation with Japan in regards to Economic Development in Maldives, particularly in areas such as infrastructural development, clean energy and disaster risk management.

Having expressed his “sincere gratitude” for Japan’s stated intention to use the Group of 20 (G20) summit as a platform to promote action on climate change, President Solih further noted his appreciation for Japan’s “renewable energy diplomacy” which in question commits Japan to solving global energy issues.

The G20 summit is to be held in Osaka this year and will be the fourteenth of its kind and the first to be hosted in Japan.

During the meeting, President Solih reiterated that Maldives will continue to engage with Japan on matters regarding climate change on an international level, especially within the context of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC).

Moreover, President Solih conveyed his appreciation for the continuous support and assistance provided to the Maldivian people by the Government of Japan, in particular the assistance offered in constructing schools and the outer sea wall which protects the capital city Male’.

During the meeting, Ambassador Yanai expressed her “heartfelt gratitude” for the warm and traditional welcome she received upon arrival at the Maldives.

She also conveyed warm greetings to President Solih sent by the Japanese Emperor and Empress.

Emphasizing that the two countries share common views on various matters especially with relevance to international issues, Ambassador Yanai pointed out that 2018 marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.

The new Ambassador also expressed her determination to fulfill her mission by further strengthening said already strong relations between Maldives and Japan.