Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed met with several senior figures of the Japanese Government today, on the second and final day of his meetings in Tokyo. They included the Senior Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; the President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); the Senior Vice-Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; and the Minister of Finance.

At these meetings, the Minister explained the new development model pursued by the new Government and the 5 focus areas selected by the new Government.

The keenness of the Japanese Government to consider helping the Maldives to address the development needs covered by the areas was reiterated by the officials at these meetings. Infrastructure development, cooperation in fisheries development, climate change concerns and human security figured as potential areas for engagement, as did FDI and joint venture activities.

The Japanese Government officials did exhibit strong interest in attending the Donor Forum the Government of Maldives has scheduled for end March 2009 where more details of the status of the economy and documentation on core areas would be made available to the donor community.

The Minister began his engagements today with a Breakfast Meeting with Mr. Hosei Norota, the President of the Japan-Maldives Parliamentarians’ League, who hosted the event. He also attended a lunch hosted by Mr. Minorikawa, the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs for him and members of his delegation.

The Minister will depart Tokyo on Wednesday for Washington to participate in a World Bank sponsored climate change event.