Japan’s “Bicycle Parking Facilities Provision Foundation” is to donate 200 bicycles to Bike Maldives.

This was revealed through a meeting held at the official Residence of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, when the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai paid a courtesy call on Maldives First Lady Fazna Ahmed.

While extensive discussions were held about sports diplomacy between both countries, Ambassador Yanai had highlighted that development cooperation must not be limited to infrastructural development but also to the priorities of the civil society including recreation as well as entertainment.

Ambassador Yanai discussed Japan’s offer to donate the bicycles and to coordinate the establishment of new sporting opportunities in the Maldives, some of which include Karate for students and training programs for swimmers who have the potential to compete in the Olympics.

The Japanese Ambassador and First Lady Fazna also shed light on the longstanding and friendly relations that the governments and people of Japan and Maldives have shared over the years.

During the meeting, First Lady Fazna had welcomed the Japanese government’s offers and expressed that Maldivians would “greatly” benefit from these activities.

Being an avid sportswoman and firm advocate for a healthy lifestyle herself, First Lady Fazna stated that students would benefit from the friendship and discipline they would inherit through these activities.

As someone who has keenness in development for children, First Lady Fazna expressed her eagerness to witness Maldivian children being able to explore the opportunities in the near future.