Press Releases
Japan-Maldives Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 28, 2022
On September 28, commencing at 9:15 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, who is visiting Japan to attend the state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe as Special Envoy of President of the Maldives. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Shahid expressed his condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Abe as well as respect for former Prime Minister Abe’s achievements in international community, including strengthening bilateral relations. In response, Minister Hayashi expressed his gratitude for Minister Shahid’s repeated expression of condolences.
- The two ministers concurred that Japan and the Maldives, as countries which share the fundamantal values such as the rule of law and the freedom of navigation, will cooperate even more closely to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
- Minister Hayashi reiterated his respect for Minister Shahid’s achievements as President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and stated his intention to continue working with the Minister to strengthen the functions of the UN as a whole, including the Security Council reform. In response, Minister Shahid also expressed his intention to work with Minister Hayashi.
- The two ministers exchanged views regarding regional situations, including Ukraine and North Korea, and cooperation in the international arena, and confirmed to continue to cooperate even more closely in various fields, such as responses to North Korea including its nuclear, missile, and abductions issues.