In a reaffirmation of the Maldives–Japan friendship, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu welcomed Ikuina Akiko, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, during a courtesy call held Saturday afternoon at the President’s Office.

President Dr Muizzu extended a warm welcome to the visiting Japanese delegation and conveyed sincere appreciation for their participation in the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations.

Special Envoy Akiko expressed her deep honour at being invited to witness this national milestone.

The meeting served as an opportunity to reflect on the longstanding ties between the two nations, rooted in over fifty years of close diplomatic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration across multiple sectors, including economic development, infrastructure projects, telecommunications, disaster preparedness, and capacity-building initiatives.

President Muizzu concluded the meeting by expressing optimism for continued partnership and enhanced cooperation with Japan.

In response, Special Envoy Akiko reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering commitment to deepening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.

Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan were officially established on November 14, 1967.

Since then, the two nations have nurtured a relationship built on mutual respect, shared development goals, and continued collaboration across diverse fields.