Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has expressed willingness to work closely with the Maldives.
“I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the traditional ties of friendship between our two countries,” he said in a post on X in response to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s congratulatory message following his appointment as Prime Minister.
Ishiba said he wishes to work toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
In his message, Muizzu said he looks forward to working with the new Japanese government to strengthen the long-standing friendly relations between the Maldives and Japan.
“I trust that under your able leadership, Japan will achieve further progress and prosperity,” he stated.
Ishiba took office on October 1. Members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) used their majority to confirm Ishiba’s appointment.
