Japan Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs calls of Foreign Minister Shahid

07 April 2019

The Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, His Excellency Norikazu Suzuki paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shahid this morning. The Vice Minister is in the Maldives for a two day visit and is heading the Japanese eight-member delegation dispatched to observe the Maldives Parliamentary Election.

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vice Minister highlighted that the voting conducted on 6th April for Parliamentary Elections were held in a free, fair and a transparent manner. He further noted that the elections will pave way to further consolidate democracy in the Maldives and reassured Japan’s cooperation as the Maldives moves forward.

Foreign Minister Shahid observed that this is the third high level visit from Japan since the new Government took office in November 2018. The Minister also recalled his visit to Japan in December 2018. He noted that these visits signify a new age partnership between Maldives and Japan and reflects the commitment of the two Governments to reinvigorate Maldives-Japan relationship, explore new avenues while strengthening existing links.

Discussion also ensued on deepening Maldives-Japan partnership through cooperation in fisheries, agriculture, climate change and international issues.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs His Excellency Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary His Excellency Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, and officials from the Japan Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present in the meeting.

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