10th anniversary of the establishment of the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives celebrated

The 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives was celebrated with a grand ceremony today.

The special event held at Hotel Jen was graced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Iruthisham Adam. 

The ceremony was attended by Cabinet Ministers of the Maldivian Government, along with resident Ambassadors and diplomats from foreign missions in the Maldives. As part of the milestone celebration, a special cake-cutting ceremony took place, alongside the official screening of four video clips showcasing the enduring bilateral partnership.

Delivering her address, the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, highlighted the significance of having a resident diplomatic mission in Malé.

"The opening of our resident embassy in Malé in 2016 marked a new chapter in this long-standing friendship. It brought our two countries closer, enabled more regular dialogue and cooperation, and allowed us to respond more directly to the needs and aspirations of our peoples, including face-to-face visas and consulate services."

Minister @IruthishamAdam graced the reception to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives. @JapaninMaldives pic.twitter.com/9AjLAVyxGA

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs ???????? (@MoFAmv) October 1, 2026

She also noted the historical milestone of female leadership, remarking:

"After the first resident ambassador, Endo Kazumi, presented credentials on 7th August 2016, three women ambassadors—Yanai Keiko, Takeuchi Midori, and myself—have held the privilege of representing Japan to the Maldives, in Malé."

Elaborating on Japan’s assistance to the Maldives’ national development, Ambassador Ishigami stated that  Japan has been proud to support the Maldives in its national development journey through grant assistance and technical cooperation across a wide range of areas. 

The Ambassador also acknowledged the special message delivered by the First Lady of the Maldives, Madam Sajidha Mohamed, highlighting Japan's vital role in human resource development.

Highlighting the long-standing economic and commercial ties, the Ambassador remarked on how Japanese products have become an integral part of Maldivian life. 

"Our economic and business relationship has been very close for many decades; the Yanmar engine changed the way of fishing, and Makita and Hitachi changed everyday life across the Maldives."

She further noted the role of businesses, such as Yamaki operating in Addu City to export skipjack tuna flakes (katsuobushi), and Sara International, which supplies premium Japanese food products to local resorts and supermarkets.

Reflecting on cultural and educational exchanges, Ambassador Ishigami conferred the "Japanese Ambassador’s Commendation" upon Mr. Asim Abdul Sattar, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Maldives National University (MNU), in recognition of his valuable contributions to promoting Japanese language education. The establishment of the newly formed "Kendo Club" in the Maldives was also officially announced with a certificate presentation during the event.

Looking ahead to almost six decades of diplomatic ties between the two island nations, the Ambassador reaffirmed Japan’s dedication to regional peace, stability, and mutual cooperation. 

"Although Japan and the Maldives are geographically distant, as island nations, we share a deep understanding of the importance of oceans and the challenges posed by climate change, rising sea levels, and natural disasters. Japan remains committed to further strengthening our partnership and to advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific and an international order based on the rule of law."

In conclusion, Ambassador Ishigami extended her profound appreciation to the Government of the Maldives, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all those who contributed to strengthening the bond of friendship over the past decade.