Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed his commitment to strengthen the bilateral ties with the Maldives. He made the statement in a social media post, responding to the congratulatory message from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The social media post shared by President Dr. Muizzu indicated the president's confidence in the leadership abilities of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The president affirmed that Japan will move towards further progress and prosperity under Prime Minister Shigeru's leadership, and conveyed best wishes to him in fulfilling his responsibilities. The president further reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to further enhance and strengthen the long-standing bilateral ties between the two countries.
In response, Prime Minister Shigeru thanked President Dr. Muizzu for congratulating him upon appointment. He expressed Japan's commitment to collaborate with the Maldives, aiming to further strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries, toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
Shigeru Ishiba was appointed as the prime minister of Japan, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. An election was held to elect a new president for Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as Kishida announced that he will not be running for the position in next tenure. Following this, Ishiba emerged victorious in the election, competing against nine other candidates.
Diplomatic ties between the Maldives and Japan were established on November 14, 1967. This year marks 57 years since the bilateral relations were established.