FM: Japan’s contribution to development of Maldives is incalculable

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Asim has thanked the Japanese government for its continued contribution to social and economic development of Maldives, commenting that the Japanese government had provided incalculable assistance to the country.

Minister Asim made the comment during the function held by the Japanese embassy in Maldives at Hotel Jen last Tuesday night to celebrate the birthday of Japanese Emperor Akihito.

He said that the contribution by Japanese government was evident everywhere in Maldives.

“Japan has provided innumerable assistance in human resource development, environmental protection, sustainable fisheries industry, modern communication and broadcasting resources, transport, education, and reconstruction after the Tsunami disaster in 2004,” said Minister Asim.

He said that construction of multiple schools in Maldives, construction of Artificial Beach, infrastructure development of telecommunication in the country, Television Maldives, Male’ coastline protection system, the tetrapod seawall were all examples of assistance provided by

Japanese government for the socioeconomic development of the country.

He also commended the Japanese volunteer program, which he said was very effective.

“Japanese ambassador to Maldives, Kazumi Endo used to be Chief Economic Officer in Colombo. Many of the projects in Maldives were planned and run by him,” said Minister Asim.

He said the opening of a resident embassy of Japan in Maldives this year would bring the people of both countries closer together.

Minister Asim also commented that the private sector of Japan was showing more and more interest in investing in the Maldivian economy. And that the number of Japanese tourists visiting Maldives had picked up once more.

The function to celebrate Emperor Akihito’s birthday was attended by State ministers, parliament members and ambassadors of foreign countries based in Maldives.