The Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, H.E Keiko Yanai, has paid a courtesy call on H.E Vice President Faisal Naseem. The call was held this morning at the President’s Office.

The Ambassador and Vice President discussed the long-standing relations between Japan and the Maldives. Ambassador Yanai provided Vice President Faisal Naseem with updates on several major projects conducted by the Japanese government in the Maldives, ranging from grassroots movements to vaccine donations.

Ambassador Yanai also provided the Vice President with the latest updates on projects planned for the Maldives for the next year under the assistance of the Japanese government. They discussed several important projects such as sea ambulances, waste disposal and capacity building in young persons, with a special focus on subgroups such as disabled persons, women and children. Japan had, and continues to play, a prominent role in supporting the Maldives’ development, through grants, assistance and conducting projects to benefit citizens.

Vice President Faisal Naseem thanked the Japanese Ambassador for their continued support and aid for the Maldives, stating that the history of Japan’s prominent role in the Maldives can be seen in all areas of the country, from the Malé city seawall, to schools and health centres. He reiterated that human resource development, especially capacity building in the youth, is one of key pledges made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The Vice President extended his gratitude to the Japanese government, noting the positive impact Japanese funded projects have on Maldivian Communities.

Ending the call, the Vice President and the Ambassador exchanged comments on the effects of Covid-19 on their respective nations, and expressed their sincere hope that both countries can soon fully recover from the impacts of the pandemic. They conveyed their keenness to continue to work together to further the partnership between the two countries.