-Japanese Embassy established in the Maldives in 2016
-Diplomatic relations between the two countries to reach 60 years next year
The Embassy of Japan in the Maldives has marked the 10th anniversary of its establishment in the country. The Japanese Embassy was established in the Maldives in 2016. The embassy itself has also officially marked its 10th anniversary in 2026.
Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam was the chief guest at a special reception held at Hotel Jen to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Embassy in the Maldives.
In connection with the occasion, First Lady Sajidha Mohamed delivered a special video message. Highlighting Japan’s assistance towards the development of the Maldives, the First Lady said that strong ties had developed not only between the governments of the two countries but also between their peoples.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Ishigami Rumiko said the opening of Japan’s embassy in Malé in 2016 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between the two countries.
She said the establishment of the embassy had further strengthened bilateral relations, increased consultations and cooperation, and facilitated the direct provision of services such as visa and consular services.
Ambassador Ishigami said Japan was proud to have contributed to the Maldives’ development by providing assistance and technical cooperation in various areas.
She also highlighted the growing economic and business ties between the two countries. She noted that Japanese technologies and products have become part of everyday life in the Maldives.
According to the ambassador, the Yanmar engine has brought significant changes to the Maldivian fishing industry, while products from Japanese companies such as Makita and Hitachi have become familiar parts of daily life in the Maldives.
She also noted that the renowned Japanese company Yamaki exports high-quality products from its operations in Addu City, while Maldivian company Sara International has been introducing high-quality Japanese food products to the Maldives.
Ambassador Ishigami said people-to-people ties between the two countries were also growing through culture, education and sports.
She said more than 200 Maldivian students have so far participated in various scholarships and programmes in Japan. She also described the establishment of Kizuna Maldives, an association of Maldivian students who studied in Japan, as a source of great pride.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan had supported the teaching of the Japanese language at the Maldives National University through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She said this work continues today through cooperation between the Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan.
Although Japan and the Maldives are geographically distant from each other, Ambassador Ishigami said the two countries share similarities as island nations and both experience the importance of the ocean as well as challenges associated with climate change.
She said these common experiences provide a strong foundation for the two countries to work together in the international arena. Japan, she added, would continue working to advance an international system based on the rule of law.
“As we commemorate this important occasion, let us renew our commitment to further strengthening the relationship between our two countries. Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. My wish is that the friendship between our two countries will continue to grow stronger and that we will move together towards a peaceful and prosperous future,” Ambassador Ishigami said.
At the ceremony, the Ambassador’s Commendation was presented to former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Maldives National University, Asim Abdul Sattar, in recognition of his contribution to the promotion of the Japanese language at the university.
In addition, following a Kendo demonstration organised by the embassy, the strong interest among Maldivians in Japanese culture was highlighted through the official inauguration of a Kendo Club, for which a certificate was presented.
The ceremony also featured the launch of short video clips highlighting the relations between the two countries and their cooperation in various areas of development.
The Maldives and Japan are preparing to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027. The two countries have continued to expand cooperation in areas including human resource development, infrastructure, education, sports, climate resilience, disaster management and community development.
