The Maldives and Japan have successfully concluded the 5th Round of the Maldives-Japan Policy Dialogue, held on Sunday at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions aimed to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across various sectors.

The Maldivian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya, while the Japanese delegation was headed by Mr. Miyamoto Shingo, Assistant Minister and Director-General of the Southeast and Southwest Asian Department.

The dialogue built on previous discussions, reflecting the mutual commitment of both nations to advancing shared interests.

Key topics included economic and development cooperation, trade and investment, cultural exchanges, and regional and maritime collaboration.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing economic ties, recognizing Japan’s long-standing role in supporting the Maldives' development, particularly in the education and fisheries sectors.

On regional and international cooperation, discussions focused on maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region through maritime security, climate resilience, and multilateral diplomacy.

The Maldives reiterated its support for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, based on a rules-based international order to counter transnational threats and promote sustainable development.

The two nations also pledged to strengthen cultural ties and collaborate on global issues, including UN Security Council reforms, climate change, and the situation in Palestine.

The Maldives–Japan Policy Dialogue serves as a vital platform for assessing ongoing initiatives and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.

The last round of discussions was held in Tokyo, Japan, on April 4, 2023.