Maldives and Japan have concluded a fruitful third round of the Japan-Maldives Policy Dialogue on Thursday, after revealed that both countries will be cooperating closely to exchange high-level visits in the near future.

Held virtually due to the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic on Thursday afternoon, the third round of the Policy Dialogue was hosted by the foreign ministries of both countries with a focus on enhancing the existing close relations between both countries, particularly through economic and development cooperation, trade and investment, cultural exchanges as well as regional and maritime cooperation.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel led the Maldives delegation while Kobayashi Kenichi, the Director-General, Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan led the delegation from Japan at the discussions.

Maldives and Japan reflected on avenues through which they may strengthen the existing cooperation and explored fresh opportunities to move forward with their relationship.

During the discussions, State Minister Khaleel stated that Japan has always been a close and trusted friend of the Maldives and its citizens. He went on to reiterate the long-standing and “special” friendship Maldives and Japan have shared for years.

With this being said, both countries had agreed upon engaging in further discussions in areas of mutual interest.

Khaleel expressed the island nation’s gratitude for the assistance Japan continues to provide to Maldives, in particular, in times of crises surrounding the global pandemic.

Also speaking at the event, Kenichi touched down on the strong bilateral relations existing between Maldives and Japan and extended gratitude to the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for the cooperation with Japan on international as well as regional issues.

Kenichi further revealed that Maldives is a “very valuable” partner to Japan and that the government of Japan looks forward to welcome Maldivian athletes scheduled to take part in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

As both countries prepare to embark on the 55th anniversary since diplomatic ties were established between both countries, Kenichi shed light on the importance of the upcoming year, affirming that Maldives and Japan will be cooperating closely, to exchange high-level visits in the near future.

A platform between Maldives and Japan to discuss important bilateral, regional and multilateral issues, the Policy Dialogues was last held in the Maldives in August, 2019.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the government’s keen interest in continuing dialogue with development partners, especially “close friends” such as Japan, as the island nation embarks on a path of resilience and recovering at the heels of the devastating impacts of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic, on the country’s economy.