Japan-Maldives Relations
Courtesy Call on H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives by Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs and Special Envoy of the Prime Minister IKUINA Akiko
July 26, 2025
On July 26, from 4:00 p.m. (12:00 a.m. July 26, local time) for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. IKUINA Akiko, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Malé, the capital of the Maldives, as Special Envoy of Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru to attend the events commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Independence of the Maldives, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of Maldives. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina handed Prime Minister Ishiba’s letter to President Muizzu and expressed her congratulations on the 60th anniversary of the Maldives’ independence. Furthermore, she stated that the Maldives is an important partner in realizing a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)," and expressed her desire for the two countries to work together to contribute to regional peace and stability. President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives' unwavering commitment to a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)."
- President Muizzu expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support to date and conveyed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations in a wide range of areas. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Ikuina stated that Japan has been providing cooperation that suits the needs of the Maldivian people since immediately after the independence of the Maldives, and that Japan wishes to continue to support the Maldives in achieving sustainable development.
- The two sides concurred to further develop bilateral relations in the lead-up to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Maldives in 2027.