President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has sent a message of congratulations to the new Prime Minister of Japan, Yoshihide Suga, who was formally elected to the office by Japan's National Diet, today, 16 September. The President's message reads as follows:

Excellency,

On behalf of the Government and the people of the Maldives, and on my own behalf, I have the honour to extend to Your Excellency, my sincere good wishes and congratulations on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan.

Japan has long been a close bilateral partner of the Maldives with deep links of friendship that stretch back more than half a century. Japan’s role in our development is innumerable and each year, we welcome tens of thousands of Japanese tourists to the Maldives.

I look forward to working closely with Your Excellency in further expanding the enduring ties of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Japan, for the mutual benefit of our people. I am confident that under your leadership Japan will reach new heights of development and prosperity.

Please accept Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and well-being, as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of Japan.