The Maldives and Japan have held discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in the fisheries and agriculture sectors ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.
The talks took place during a courtesy call between Maldivian Ambassador to Japan Ahmed Mahloof and Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Norikazu Suzuki.
According to Ambassador Mahloof, discussions focused on exploring opportunities to further enhance cooperation in fisheries and agriculture, two areas that have long formed an important part of the relationship between the Maldives and Japan.
Japan has been a key development partner in the Maldives’ fisheries sector for decades, providing technical assistance, capacity-building programmes and other forms of support that have contributed to the growth of the industry.
The ambassador noted that cooperation between the two countries in fisheries predates the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, with Japanese fisheries experts having visited the Maldives and provided assistance before diplomatic ties were officially established.
The meeting also reviewed ways to deepen collaboration as the Maldives and Japan prepare to mark six decades of diplomatic relations in 2027.
The Maldives and Japan have maintained close ties across a range of sectors, with fisheries remaining one of the most significant areas of cooperation between the two countries.
