The Maldives and Japan have held strategic dialogues aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in fisheries and agriculture, the Maldivian Ambassador to Japan, Ahmed Mahloof, stated in a social media message. The discussions took place during a courtesy call between Ambassador Mahloof and Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Norikazu Suzuki.
Japan is a long-standing, close partner in the development of the Maldivian fisheries sector, Ambassador Mahloof noted, highlighting an ongoing collaboration through which the allied nation provides vital assistance across technical fields, capacity building, and the broader advancement of the industry.
“Japan has been a longstanding supporter and close partner in the development of the Maldives fisheries sector, including through technical cooperation, capacity building, and assistance that have contributed significantly to the growth of the industry over the years,” the ambassador wrote, adding that “Even before the establishment of diplomatic ties, Japanese fisheries experts were dispatched to the Maldives.”
This cooperation is deeply rooted in history. Even before diplomatic relations were formally established, experts from the Japanese fisheries sector visited the Maldives and provided critical assistance, the ambassador highlighted.
During the meeting with Minister Suzuki, discussions centred specifically on further strengthening relations in both sectors, Ambassador Mahloof stated. Dialogue was dedicated to exploring avenues for further fortifying these bilateral relations as the two nations approach the 60th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties next year.
“We discussed ways to further strengthen Maldives-Japan cooperation in the fisheries and agriculture sectors, particularly as the two countries prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year,” Ambassador Mahloof stated.