Japan FM says upcoming visit will boost Maldives-Japan ties 'to a new height'

The Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa states that his upcoming visit to Maldives will boost the already close relations between Maldives and Japan to new heights.

Hayashi, who is set to arrive in Maldives on a two-day official visit on Saturday, made the remark in a video message on occasion of Maldives’ Independence Day.

In his message, Hayashi said that relations between Maldives and Japan date back to long before the two countries established official diplomatic ties in 1965.

Hayashi said that Maldives have supported each other as two friends in face of coastal hazards over the years, and stressed the need for the two countries to work together in ensuring peace and security in the Asia Pacific region.

Commenting on his upcoming visit, Hayashi said he was looking forward to boosting Maldives-Japan relations to new heights.

“I am very much looking forward to enjoying the beauty of your country, and working with Foreign Minister Shahid to further enhance our already close relations toward a new height,” he said.

Hayashi’s upcoming visit is in response to an invitation extended by the Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

During his visit, Hayashi will meet with his Maldivian counterpart Shahid, and with the Maldivian Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi, and other top government officials.

He will also take part in the exchange of notes for the Japan-Maldives Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS).

The last time a senior Japanese government official visited Maldives was in 2018, by the then-Foreign Minister, Taro Kono.

Hayashi's visit is the first high-level visit by a Japanese government official to the Maldives since then.