Former Maldives Ambassador to Japan Ahmed Khaleel has been conferred the highest honour awarded by the Japanese government to those who have served the country in various capacities.

Khaleel was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star by Japan. He was conferred the honour by Japanese Emperor Naruhito at a special ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Wednesday.

The Japanese Embassy said in a post on X that the Order of the Sun was conferred on Khaleel in recognition of his efforts to strengthen relations between the Maldives and Japan.

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel congratulated him on receiving the award.

In a congratulatory message posted on X, Minister Khaleel said it was an honour for Maldives to receive the award.