The Ambassador of Maldives to Japan, Mohamed Hussain Shareef expresses gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Agency's unparalleled contribution towards socioeconomic development in the Maldives.
At a meeting held on Monday with JICA's President, Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka, Ambassador Shareef noted the pivotal role of JICA in the implementation of key development projects in the Maldives. He said that no agency can rival JICA in its positive engagement with the Maldives, as we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan.
Ambassador Shareef and Dr. Kitaoka discussed the way forward in implementing important development projects earmarked in discussions between President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, during President Yameen's official visit to Japan in 2014.
Dr. Kitaoka said that Japan was keen on working closely with friends in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Maldives, to promote freedom and democracy in the wider Asian region. He noted the keen interest in Japan for Maldives' tourism. Furthermore, he assured Ambassador Shareef of JICA's continued engagement in the Maldives.
At this morning's meeting at the JICA Headquarters in Tokyo, Ambassador Shareef and President Kitaoka discussed speedy implementation of pipeline projects and possible future collaboration between the two countries. JICA began sending volunteers to the Maldives in 1982.
To date, JICA has assisted in development initiatives in agriculture, education, sports, education and health, among other sectors. JICA has also facilitated numerous training opportunities and supported tourism marketing of the Maldives.