Japan- Maldives agree to work together free and open Indo-Pacific

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasamet Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in the Maldives' capital, Male, on Sunday. They have confirmed that their countries will work together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The ministers agreed to exempt diplomatic and official passport holders from each other's country of the need for a visa to visit.They also confirmed that Japan will provide grant aid to enable young administrative officials from the Maldives to undergo training in Japan.Hayashi said at a joint news conference that the Maldives is strategically located in the Indian Ocean and shares fundamental values with Japan.