The Maldives and Japan on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic, development, and regional cooperation during the fifth round of their policy dialogue in Malé, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya led the Maldivian delegation, while Japan’s Assistant Minister and Director-General for Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs, Miyamoto Shingo, headed the Japanese delegation.
“The dialogue built on the momentum of four prior discussions, reflecting a mutual commitment to advancing tangible outcomes in areas of mutual interest,” the ministry said in a statement.
Economic cooperation was a key focus, with both sides pledging to foster mutual growth and development by exploring new avenues for collaboration. “Japan has been a key development partner of the Maldives over the past decades, contributing greatly to the early foundations of the Maldives’ development journey, especially in the education and fisheries sectors,” the statement highlighted.
Regional security and multilateral diplomacy were also on the agenda, with talks on ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean, maritime security, and climate resilience. The Maldives reiterated its support for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific, that is inclusive and founded on the rules-based international order,” according to the Foreign Ministry.
The two sides also pledged to strengthen cultural exchanges and collaborate on global issues, including UN Security Council reforms, climate change, and the situation in Palestine.
The Maldives-Japan Policy Dialogue serves as a platform to assess ongoing initiatives and explore new areas of cooperation. The last round was held in Tokyo in April 2023.