President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that China plays an important role in the social and economic development of the Maldives. He made the remark sending greetings and well wishes to the President of China Xi Jinping, and the Premier of the State Council of China Li Keqiang on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and China.
In his message to President Xi Jinping, President Solih stated that the Maldives and China have a long history of friendship and cooperation and that China has made enormous contributions to the social, cultural, and economic development of the Maldives over the last two decades. He also highlighted the signing of five agreements between the Maldives and China earlier this year and expressed confidence that the new momentum generated by these agreements would pave the way for future bilateral cooperation. He also stated that the Maldives-China relationship is built on a solid foundation of shared historic bonds, sovereign equality, and mutual respect and that he was confident that the long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation would continue to grow.
In a separate message to Premier Li Keqiang, President Solih stated that historical ties, sovereign equality, and respect for each other's territorial integrity serve as a solid foundation for the Maldives-China relations and that it has paved the way for the stable ties between the two countries over the past 50 years. He went on to note China’s continued support and assistance to the Maldives in reaching new milestones in economic and social development and stated that China is among the most important bilateral partners of the Maldives. He also said that he believes that by working closely together, the Maldives and China could realise the full potential of bilateral partnership and friendship in the years ahead.
The Maldives and China established diplomatic relations on October 14, 1972.