Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Ahmed Aslam has stated that Japan has played a huge role in the development of the Maldives. He made the statement at the ceremony to relocate the seawall tetrapod monument.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Japan Takei Shunsuke attended the ceremony to relocate the seawall tetrapod monument to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Maldives-Japan relations. The monument was unveiled in its new location at the Usfasgandu area in Male’ City along with a plaque as a token of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and Japan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Aslam said the seawall surrounding Male’ represents the close relationship between Japan and the Maldives. He said the 1987 swell wave was the biggest natural disaster to hit Male’ as it greatly affected residents. He said that the seawall that was subsequently built with assistance from Japan is not just an infrastructure project but an initiative that has safeguarded people’s livelihood. He added that Japan has assisted in the development of schools in all inhabited islands.
Meanwhile, Minister of State Takei said that the relocation of the tetrapod monument shows that Maldivians appreciate Japan for its assistance. He also expressed gratitude for the telethon held in the Maldives after the 2011 tsunami, resulting in the donation of 690,000 tuna cans to Japan.
Also at the ceremony, Minister Shahid expressed his gratitude to Japan for the seawall, which continues to protect the capital city from storm surges and extreme weather events. He also emphasised the importance of the seawall in preventing major damage to Male’ during the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004.