The Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, His Excellency Nobuhito Hobo has paid a courtesy call on President Yameen Abdul Gayoom. The meeting was held this morning at the President’s Office.
At the meeting, the President and the Ambassador highlighted bilateral cooperation between the two countries and discussed ways of further strengthening these relations.
President Yameen noted that, in addition to the achievements of Japan in economic development and commerce, the country had also displayed outstanding leadership in international affairs. He thanked the Japanese government for its support towards the Maldives’ election bid for a second term on the UN Human Rights Council.
Noting that over the years Japan had been the single largest development donor towards the Maldives, the President thanked the Emperor, Prime Minister and people of Japan for the high priority attached towards continued enhancement of bilateral relations with the Maldives.
Speaking on the challenges faced by the Maldives, President Yameen highlighted the importance of increased opportunities and empowerment of the youth. On the subject, he thanked Japan for its long-standing assistance in the education and youth affairs sectors. He briefed the Ambassador on his government’s vision to develop a Youth Village on Hulhumale’, the vision to explore for hydrocarbon, the need to introduce cleaner low-carbon fuel in the Maldives, and the project to connect Male’ with Hulhule’ by a bridge.
During the meeting, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom noted the importance of people-to-people contact, and the important role of Japan as a key tourism market for the Maldives. On this point, Ambassador Hobo assured the President of Japan’s wish to enhance promotion activities of the Maldives as a preferred tourism destination for Japanese holidaymakers. He thanked the President for bringing him up to speed on the development vision of the Government.
Ambassador Hobo recalled Japan’s close ties with the Maldives, and noted the importance of terrestrial digitalization in the future development of both countries. He extended the deep appreciation of his government for the Maldives’ support towards Japan at various international forums. Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Nobuhito reassured of Japan’s continuous support and cooperation to the Maldives.
President Yameen was joined at the call by Ministers at the President’s Office, Hon. Mohamed Hussain Shareef and Hon. Abdulla Ameen, and the Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ali Naseer Mohamed.
