The Government of Maldives and the Government of Japan signed an Exchange of Notes on Saturday to launch the construction phase of the Seawall Renovation Project under the “Project for Disaster Resilience Enhancement in Malé Island.”
The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives, while Her Excellency Ikuina Akiko, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, signed on behalf of Japan.
The agreement, amounting to 1.56 billion Japanese Yen (approximately USD 10.5 million), will fund the next stage of renovations to the seawall protecting Malé City.
During the ceremony, Minister Khaleel highlighted the seawall’s historical significance, originally built with Japanese assistance following the 1987 tidal surges. He noted its vital role in shielding Malé during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and described it as a lasting symbol of friendship between the two nations.
He further stated that the new agreement not only continues this crucial project but also deepens the Maldives–Japan partnership. As the Maldives marks 60 years of independence and approaches 60 years of diplomatic ties with Japan in 2027, Minister Khaleel expressed confidence in expanding collaboration in areas such as maritime security, regional stability, and trade.
Reaffirming the Maldives’ support for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, the minister thanked the Government of Japan for its continued friendship and commitment.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Embassy of Japan, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives, while Her Excellency Ikuina Akiko, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, signed on behalf of Japan.
The agreement, amounting to 1.56 billion Japanese Yen (approximately USD 10.5 million), will fund the next stage of renovations to the seawall protecting Malé City.
During the ceremony, Minister Khaleel highlighted the seawall’s historical significance, originally built with Japanese assistance following the 1987 tidal surges. He noted its vital role in shielding Malé during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and described it as a lasting symbol of friendship between the two nations.
He further stated that the new agreement not only continues this crucial project but also deepens the Maldives–Japan partnership. As the Maldives marks 60 years of independence and approaches 60 years of diplomatic ties with Japan in 2027, Minister Khaleel expressed confidence in expanding collaboration in areas such as maritime security, regional stability, and trade.
Reaffirming the Maldives’ support for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, the minister thanked the Government of Japan for its continued friendship and commitment.
The signing ceremony was also attended by Minister of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Embassy of Japan, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
