The new Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko on Tuesday presented her Letters of Credence to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the strong ties between the two countries and explore more areas of collaborations.
The Ambassador was escorted to the President’s Office to her credentials ceremony from the Republic Square in a cultural procession called “Haiykolhu" with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band.
The Ambassador presented her Letters of Credence to the President, who accepted it and welcomed her as the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives.
Following the presentation, the President and the Ambassador discussed potential areas for collaboration, including disaster management assistance and renewable energy.
During the meeting, the President and the Ambassador expressed their interest in collaborating to further advance the strong ties between both nations.
The President also thanked the Japanese government for its continuous support in various developmental efforts in the Maldives.
Shortly after presenting her credentials, the Ambassador called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Dr Khaleel congratulated the Ambassador and reaffirmed the appreciation for the longstanding cooperation and friendship between the two countries.
Minister Dr Khaleel underscored the enduring friendship and close partnership between Maldives and Japan and expressed appreciation of the people and the Government of Maldives to the Government of Japan for the steadfast support extended to the Maldives.
The Minister acknowledged Japan’s significant contributions both through the official development programme of Japan, and also through the Grass Roots Project schemes that have directly benefited local communities by enhancing livelihoods, welfare, and community development.
Ambassador Ishigami thanked the Minister for the warm welcome and reiterated her commitment to working closely with the Government and people of the Maldives in continuing the efforts to enhance the bilateral relation between both countries in areas of mutual interest.
Both the Minister and Ambassador concurred to cooperate towards further consolidate the deep-rooted bonds of friendship and enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan were established on 14 November 1967.