Vice President for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Iwao Horri have stated that the relations between Maldives and Japan are strengthening in economic and social sectors.
Speaking at a ceremony held last night to mark the 50th year since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Japan, Iwao said that relations with Maldives was established very soon after Maldives became independent.
He said that since the establishment of relations on 14th November 1967, the relations between the two states are strengthening day by day. He also said that Maldives is a popular destination for Japanese tourists and annually 40,000 tourists from Japan visits Maldives.
“We do not only have relations in the tourism sector, but we have relations in other sectors as well. Japan provides assistance to Maldives in various sectors. We conduct joint military trainings. We assist to mitigate the effects of disasters. The sea wall around Male’ is also a huge service” said Iwao.
Speaking about the foreign relations between the two nations, he said that Maldivians can now get visa to Japan from Maldives and Foreign Minister Asim was the first to travel under this visa two weeks ago.
Iwao said that there is strong relations between the two country in the sports sector as well.
“Maldivians donated 700,000 cans of tuna to the victims of the earth quake in Japan. This shows the strong relations between the two nations” said Iwao.
He also spoke about the trade relations between the two centuries stating that this is the century for greater business relations.
Maldives-Japan relations are strengthening in economic and social sectors: Iwao Horii
