Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr Kentaro Sonoura, calls on Foreign Minister Shahid

His Excellency Kentaro Sonoura, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan, who is on a one-day official visit to the Maldives, called on His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs, this morning.

During the meeting, Minister Shahid noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1967, Maldives and Japan have enjoyed a dynamic relationship, anchored on mutual trust, understanding and respect, and that Mr. Sonoura’s visit to the Maldives so early in the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih signifies the importance that Japan attaches to furthering its relationship with the Maldives. Minister Shahid further expressed hope that this visit is the beginning of more high level exchange of visits between the two countries in the months to come.

The Special Advisor highlighted the importance that the Government of Japan attaches to furthering its relationship with the Maldives, especially in terms of assisting the Maldives in its socio-economic development.

Both the Foreign Minister and the Special Advisor agreed on the  importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region and hence explored avenues to work together, in line with Japan’s “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” (or FOIP Strategy). The FOIP Strategy articulates Japan’s commitment to promote stability and prosperity in the region, through connectivity projects, capacity building and maritime security cooperation in order to develop the region as an ‘international public good.’

Special Advisor Mr Sonoura is accompanied by a delegation of fifteen members, comprising of senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Ministry of Economy and Trade and Industry, Ministry of Defense, Japan Coast Guard, Global Environment Centre Foundation and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives