Japan-Maldives Relations
Meeting between Foreign Minister Hayashi and Maldives Defense Minister Didi
July 30, 2023
On July 30, commencing at 2:15 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visiting the Republic of Maldives, held a meeting with H.E. Ms. Mariya Ahmed Didi, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Maldives). The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that security is a key pillar of bilateral cooperation, and that he intends to further deepen security cooperation with the Maldives. In response, Minister Didi stated that the Maldives hopes to carry forward with defense cooperation together with Japan in the future.
- Minister Hayashi expressed his expectation that the fire boat and maritime safety equipment handed over during this visit would bolster the law enforcement capacity of the Maldives. In response, Minister Didi expressed her gratitude for Japan’s economic cooperation in such areas as fire management, maritime safety and disaster relief.
- Minister Hayashi explained the necessity of maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law and stated that he would like to cooperate further toward the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)."
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on a wide range of security issues.