A high-level delegation from Japan is set to arrive in the Maldives this week as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries.

The delegation will be led by Ikuina Akiko, the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ishiba Shigeru.

The visit will take place from 25th to 27th July 2025.

During her stay in Malé, Ms. Ikuina is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel.

She will also take part in official events commemorating the 60th anniversary of Maldivian Independence.

One of the highlights of the visit will be the signing of an Exchange of Notes between the Government of Japan and the Government of Maldives.

The agreement, signed under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), is for “The Project for Disaster Resilience Enhancement in Malé Island,” which will be implemented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Japanese envoy will also engage with members of the Japanese community residing in the Maldives and visit the Tetrapod Monument, which symbolizes the close friendship between the two nations.

The Embassy of Japan stated that the visit reaffirms the longstanding ties between Japan and the Maldives and is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation under the shared vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

It also sets the stage for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, to be marked in 2027.