Mrs Takeuchi Midori, the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, paid a farewell visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, Minister Khaleel expressed profound gratitude for Ambassador Midori’s significant contributions to enhancing bilateral relations between the Maldives and Japan. He acknowledged her support during her tenure, particularly in areas such as disaster management, infrastructure development, education, and maritime security.
Ambassador Midori reciprocated by thanking the Maldivian government for its cooperation throughout her assignment. She reaffirmed her commitment to continue fostering the friendly relations between the two nations.
The meeting coincided with the 57th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan, established on 14 November 1967. Over the decades, this partnership has been characterised by mutual trust, shared values, and collaboration across various sectors. Notably, Japan has been a major development partner for the Maldives since the mid-1980s, contributing to human resources development, environmental protection, sustainable fisheries, and communication.
A significant milestone in their cooperation was the construction of a six-kilometre-long breakwater around Malé, completed in 2002 with Japanese assistance. This infrastructure has been vital in protecting the capital from storm surges and tsunamis.
In March 2024, the two countries signed four bilateral agreements to enhance maritime safety, security, and disaster response capabilities in the Maldives. These agreements underscore the ongoing commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and addressing shared challenges.
Ambassador Midori presented her credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on 20 January 2022, and is concluding her tenure after more than two years of dedicated service. Both nations have expressed readiness to further enhance their relationship, building upon the solid foundation established over the past 57 years.
