The Ambassador of the Maldives to Japan, Ahmed Mahloof, has presented his credentials to the Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, today.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu appointed Mahloof as the Ambassador to Japan and handed him his letter of appointment on December 4 last year. The Parliament subsequently decided to grant approval to Mahloof with the unanimous consensus of the 60 members who participated in the vote.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that during a ceremony held this morning at the Tokyo Imperial Palace where Mahloof presented his credentials, Emperor Naruhito congratulated him and wished him success.

At the ceremony, Mahloof conveyed congratulations and well wishes on behalf of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Mahloof also gave assurances that he would work to further strengthen the long-standing close relationship between the Maldives and Japan.

The Maldives and Japan established diplomatic relations on November 14, 1967. Next year will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The post of Maldivian Ambassador to Japan became vacant following the passing of the previous titleholder, Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin (ODRI) recipient Hassan Sobir, on July 28 last year.

Before becoming the Youth Minister during the MDP government, Mahloof was a Member of Parliament. He was first elected to the 17th People's Parliament as a member of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), which was formed during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Following that, he was elected to the 18th Parliament as a member of PPM. Mahloof signed with the ruling PNC last November during a major rally held by the party.