The Embassy of Japan in the Maldives has successfully held Japan-Maldives Festival to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of political relations between Maldives and Japan.
The festival was held on November 26 and the main objective of the festival was to provide information and provide the opportunity to experience Japanese culture and customs in one place. The festival was conducted in two sessions. The evening was specialised for children and the activities included a traditional Japanese sport called Yamaki Demo and martial arts among others.
The festival featured stalls from Authentic Maldives, a variety of products from Maldivian entrepreneurs, and weaving activities. The festival also gave the public the opportunity to experience the products of the Japanese company Yamaki.
The festival was attended by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel. He said Japan has assisted the Maldives in numerous ways in the past 55 years, adding it is nearly impossible to find a sector in which Japan has not provided assistance.
The Maldives and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1967. Since then, the Maldives has been developing a long history of friendship with Japan, and the close cordial relations have been enhanced over the past half-century.