Maldives & Japan Marks Successful Completion Of The 3rd Round of Policy Dialog

On 4^th March, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives and the Ministry of Foreign Affair of Japan has successfully concluded the 3^rd round of Japan-Maldives Policy Dialogue – at a meeting held virtually. During this session, the Maldivian delegation was led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Khaleeh whereas the Japanese delegation was led by Director-General, Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Kobayashi Kenichi.

The Policy Dialogue is a platform between the two countries to discuss important bilateral, regional and multilateral issues. The last Policy Dialogue was held in the Maldives back in 2019. This time around, it was focused on strengthening the already close relationship between the nations with focus on economic and development cooperation, trade and investment, cultural exchanges, and in regional and maritime cooperation.

Apart from this, both countries discussed ways to further enhance existing avenues of cooperation and to explore new opportunities in going forward. Accordingly, it was decided that both countries would hold further discussions in areas of mutual interest.

Both parties acknowledged and reiterated the long-standing and special relationship between Maldives and Japan.

Mr. Kobayashi Kenichi also mentioned that Japan looks forward to welcoming Maldivian athletes taking part in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

In 2022, Maldives and Japan will embark on the 55th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

Lastly, both parties agreed to corporate on exchanging high-level visits in the near future.