7 November 2007.

The Republic of  Maldives and Japan celebrated the 40^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries today. To mark this historic occasion a special commemorative ceremony was held this evening at Dharubaaruge, (National Conference Centre), in Male’, the capital of the

Maldives.  On behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, who is presently out of the country on another official engagement, the Minister of Defense and National Security, Honorable Ismail Shafeeu, and the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, H.E. Mr. Kyoshi Araki, co-hosted the ceremony. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was the Minister of Finance and Treasury and the Speaker of the Constituent Assembly, Honorable Gasim Ibrahim.

A Commemorative Plaque was presented to Ambassador Araki by Hon. Ismail Shafeeu, at this ceremony.  The official ceremony was followed by a cultural show jointly organized by the National Centre for the Arts of the Maldives and the Embassy of Japan. A similar cultural show, jointly organized by the Honorary Consulate of Maldives in Japan and the National Centre for the Arts, will be held at Olympus Theater in Male’ on 8 November, which will be open for general public.  

An eight member Japanese media team, organized by the Embassy of Maldives in Japan, is also presently touring the Maldives.