Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai has stated that the fellow island nation is committed to extending further assistance to the Maldives.

Speaking at a special ceremony held at Hotel Jen to mark the Japanese Emperor's Birthday, the Ambassador noted that diplomatic relations between the two island nations were officially established in 1967. Further highlighting the long-standing bilateral ties between the two nations, the ambassador expressed her hopes to address regional and global issues together.

The ambassador further commended the Maldives on the country's efforts to achieve progress. Moreover, while highlighting that Japan has provided assistance to the Maldives on 15 projects since 1996, the Ambassador revealed that Japan has "accelerated" aid efforts to the country this year.

Additionally, the ambassador stated that the Japanese government takes the needs of the recipient government into consideration when providing assistance especially in the area of socio-economic development.

Speaking at the same event as the guest of honour, Minister of Defense Mariya Ahmed Didi stated that bilateral relations between the two island nations have flourished in a variety of sectors over the past 53 years. As such, she highlighted several aid efforts extended to the country by Japan.

Japan has been one of the biggest development partners to the Maldives, having contributed immensely to the country’s socio-economic development during the past few decades.

The country has extended aid in promoting local industries, addressing the negative impacts of climate change as well as other environmental issues alongside disaster management. Further, the government of Japan also provided equipment for disaster reduction, equipment for several sectors such as the health and education sectors and grant aid to enhance security efforts.