Maldives welcomes the decision of Japan to open a resident mission in the Maldives

The Government of the Maldives welcomes with sincere appreciation the intention of the Government of Japan to open a resident mission in the Maldives. Budget appropriations for the opening of the new Embassy were included in the draft annual budget for 2015 which was approved by the Japanese Cabinet this morning.

Speaking to local media, Foreign Minister Dunya remarked that the opening of a Japanese resident mission would completely change the dynamics of Maldives-Japan relations. “We are extremely delighted to hear the news of the intention of the Government of Japan to open a resident mission in the Maldives. As one of the biggest bilateral development partners of the Maldives, a resident mission of Japan in the Maldives would help elevate the relations between the two countries to new heights and will help completely change the dynamics of Maldives-Japan relations. We hope that the mission would be opened this year - 2015, a year that the Maldives is celebrating its Golden Jubilee of Independence.”

The Maldives and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1967. Ever since, the two countries have cooperated closely and Japan has played an important role in the socio-economic development of the Maldives. From human resources development to environmental protection, sustainable fisheries to communications and health as well as humanitarian and reconstruction assistance in the aftermath of the Asian Tsunami in 2004, Japanese assistance to the Maldives has virtually reached all corners of the Maldivian archipelago. Trade and economic relations and people-to-people contact between the two countries have also grown steadily over the years. Approximately 40 thousand Japanese visits the Maldives annually.

In 2014, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, President of the Maldives made an official visit to Japan. This was the first time for a President from the Maldives to visit Japan on the official invitation of the Government of Japan. During the visit President Yameen paid a courtesy call on His Majesty Emperor Akihito and held extensive consultations with Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and other senior Japanese Government officials and the private sector.

The Embassy of Japan in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is currently accredited to the Maldives. The Maldives has maintained a resident Embassy in Tokyo since 2007.