Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohamed Asim has concluded his official trip to Japan.
The minister was seen off by Ambassador of Japan Hideaki Hoshi, at the Narita International Airport.
During the official trip held to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan, Minister Asim took part in various functions held in Tokyo and met with dignitaries of Japan.
In this regard, the Foreign Minister attended a reception hosted by the Embassy of Maldives for the Maldivian community in Japan and members of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). During the reception, Minister Asim met with the Maldivian community in Japan, jointly with the members from JOCV. At the reception, Minister Asim conveyed warm felicitations to the attendees and thanked members from JOCV for the invaluable contributions made towards socio-economic development of the Maldives.
During the trip, Minister Asim met with the President of Japan-Maldives Parliamentarian Friendship League, Wataru Takeshita. At the meeting, Minister Asim highlighted the historic relations Maldives and Japan have enjoyed over the past five decades and thanked Japan-Maldives Parliamentarian Friendship League for the crucial role they are playing to enhance the relations between the two countries. Minister Asim and Takeshita discussed on strengthening cooperation in various fields including cooperation amongst parliamentarians between the two countries. Secretary General and General Secretary of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentarian Friendship League also participated in the meeting.
Furthermore, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Iwao HORII paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim. During the meeting, Minister Asim and Vice Minister HORII discussed on attracting Japanese investments to the Maldives, improving connectivity, promotion of trade and tourism, increasing people to people contact and collaboration in areas of mutual interest including climate change and maritime security. Minister Asim thanked Vice Minister HORII for the generous contributions made by the Government and the people of Japan towards socio-economic development of the Maldives.
Foreign Minister Dr. Asim also had a working luncheon meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Taro Kono at IIKURA House. During the meeting, Minister Asim and Minister Kono reviewed the program of cooperation between the two countries and agreed to work together to further strengthen the existing cordial relations between Maldives and Japan. Minister also welcomed investments from Japan in particular to develop Hulhumale' as a resilient and safe island.
Minister Asim also thanked the Government and the people of Japan for the invaluable support and cooperation extended towards the socio-economic development of the Maldives. Minister Asim gifted to his counterpart Taro Kono, the first day cover of the commemorative stamp set issued by the Maldives Post on the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Japan. In addition to economic cooperation, both Ministers also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest including maritime cooperation and ways to further enhance the existing historical ties of friendship.
Minister Asim met the President of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Shinichi Kitaoka. During the meeting, Minister highlighted the ongoing projects in the Maldives, assisted by JICA and thanked JICA for the valuable contributions to the Maldives in the areas of communication, fisheries, education and health. Minister Asim also took the opportunity to thank JICA for the invaluable contributions made by the Japanese Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) in furthering relations between the two countries.
The minister called on the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Japan, Taro Aso. During the meeting, Minister Asim stated that the Maldives attaches great importance to its close bilateral relationship with Japan. Minister also expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan for the continuous valuable contributions made towards the socio-economic development of Maldives. Both Ministers discussed on ways to further strengthen the existing historical relations between the two countries.
Minister Asim visited Japan on a five-day official visit in commemoration with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan.