19 November 2017, New Delhi

A flag hoisting ceremony was held at the Embassy of Maldives in New Delhi, India to mark the National Day of the Republic of Maldives. At the ceremony held this morning, the flag was hoisted by His Excellency Ahmed Mohamed, Ambassador of Maldives to India and attended by the diplomats of the Embassy and their families and other staff of the Embassy.

The National Day of the Maldives is observed to celebrate the victory of Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam, and this proud day falls on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month of the Islamic year.

Ambassador H.E. Ahmed Mohamed and diplomats along with their families extends greetings and best wishes of the National Day day to all Maldivians.

    

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim have inaugurated the “Hiyaa” housing project, as part of the administration’s housing policy. The ceremony was held at the Hulhumale phase 2 area, where the Hiyaa towers are to be developed.

The “Hiyaa” housing project is aimed at resolving the housing issues being faced by around eighty thousand individuals of the population. A total of 10,080 housing units will be developed in 36 towers, including apartments of 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms.

Private companies along with State companies and government offices will be part of this mega project, the first of its kind. Two other housing projects of this administration, the 7000 social housing project and the 1530 mid-to-high range housing project are currently underway in Hulhumale.

November 17, 2017

Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim had a working luncheon meeting with His Excellency Mr. Taro Kono, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, at IIKURA House today.

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 was accompanied by Ambassador Ahmed Khaleel, Secretary Bilateral, Mr. Adam Hamid, Chargé d’affairs a.i, Ms. Aminath Shazly Saleem, Second Secretary and Mr. Hussain Shareef, Desk Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives.

Minister Asim is visiting Japan on a three-day official visit in connection with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan.

November 15, 2017

The new Ambassador of Canada to the Maldives, H.E. David McKinnon, has presented his credentials to President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom at the President’s Office this morning.

The President welcomed Ambassador McKinnon and his delegation to the Maldives and stated that the Maldives attaches high importance to its relations with Canada. He noted that this year will mark the 36th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The President expressed his appreciation for the continued support and cooperation from Canada over the last 36 years. The President also stated that in view of the excellent relations between Maldives and Canada, his accreditation today serves as a stepping stone to further consolidate the existing excellent relations.

The President spoke about the Maldives’ role in environmental conservation in the tourism industry and pledged the full support of the Maldives to further the cause of climate change.

Other potential areas of cooperation discussed included further enhancing Canadian investments in the tourism sector.

During the meeting, Ambassador McKinnon conveyed his assurances of Canada’s full support and commitment in further enhancing cooperation with the Maldives in the areas discussed, and to exploring new areas of collaboration.

Ambassador McKinnon also commended Maldives for the leading role it is playing in the environmental conservation arena and pledged Canada’s full support to further the cause, particularly in relation to climate change and environmental protection.

Ambassador McKinnon was accompanied to the President Office by Ms. Jennifer Hart, Political and Economic Counsellor.

Also present at the accreditation ceremony were the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Dr Mohamed Asim, and the Minister of State for Foreign Relations at the President’s Office, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Naseer.

November 14, 2017

To mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan.

To mark the occasion, a special commemorative stamp set was issued by the Maldives Post Service at a ceremony officiated by His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of Foreign Affairs. The commemorative stamp set features the historic relations between the two countries.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning, Minister Asim reflected on the close amicable relations between the two countries and on behalf of the Government and the people of Maldives, he thanked the Government and the friendly people of Japan for the generous assistance provided by Japan to the Maldives over the past five decades.

The ceremony was attended by Managing Director of Maldives Post, Mr. Ahmed Shafeeq, Ambassador of Japan to Maldives, His Excellency Mr. Kazumi Endo, senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, senior officials of Maldives Post and senior staff of the Embassy of Japan in Maldives.

Maldives and Japan established bilateral relations on 14 November 1967.