Japan's Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Norikazu Suzuki declared on Sunday that the Maldives Parliamentary Election held April 6 were free and fair, and would further consolidate democracy in the island nation.
He made the statement during a courtesy call on Maldives' Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid.
The vice minister is leading an eight-member delegation dispatched by Japan to observe the election, which visited polling stations on voting day.
During the meeting at the foreign ministry, Vice Minister Suzuki acknowledged that the elections were held in a transparent and peaceful manner, and reassured the Japanese government's continued cooperation with Maldives for sustainable development and the stability of the country.
Minister Shahid noted that the election observer mission marked the third high level visit from Japan since the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power on November 17, 2018. Highlighting his visit to Japan in December 2018, Shahid stated that these visits signify a new age partnership between the two countries, and reflect the commitment of both governments to invigorate bilateral relations by exploring new avenues and strengthening existing ties.
According to the foreign ministry, the discussion also focussed on further cooperation in the areas of agriculture, climate change, fisheries and international issues.
Foreign Minister Shahid was accompanied at the meeting by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel, Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, and officials from the Japan Desk at the ministry.
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