The Maldives and China has held discussions, aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries. The extensive discussions were held in Beijing between the Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi.
Minister Wang warmly welcomed Minister Zameer to China and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to further strengthen the historic and friendly relations between the two countries. Minister Zameer extended warm greetings from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and formally delivered two letters addressed to the President of China Xi Jinping from President Muizzu.
During the meeting, Minister Zameer reiterated the commitment of the Maldives to the One-China Principle and to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership agreed upon during President Muizzu's official visit to China in January. The discussions covered a wide range of topics essential to the continued enhancement of Maldives-China relations.
Furthermore, Minister Zameer highlighted the significant milestone of over 50 years of close cooperation between the Maldives and China and emphasised the commitment to elevate bilateral relations further. The minister thanked China for its substantial support through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has played a pivotal role in socio-economic development of the Maldives. He specifically mentioned transformative projects such as the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and various other infrastructure developments, including the expansion of Velana International Airport (VIA) and social housing projects.
Briefing the Chinese foreign minister on the economic and fiscal situation in the Maldives, Minister Zameer emphasised the importance of carrying out diligently the fiscal reforms, as announced by President Muizzu. The minister further requested China’s support to the Maldives in carrying out the reform programme, which will foster consumer and investor confidence in the Maldivian economy, which would then positively impact the economic resilience.
The meeting concluded with both parties reiterating their commitment to exploring new avenues for cooperation. Minister Zameer expressed heartfelt appreciation for China’s continued support and looked forward to further solidifying the political and economic cooperation between the Maldives and China.
The Official Talks were followed by a reception hosted by Minister Wang Yi in honour of Minister Zameer and the official delegation. Minister Zameer was accompanied by Minister of Finance Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq, Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, Ambassador-Designate Dr. Fazeel Najeeb and senior officials of the government of the Maldives and the Embassy of the Maldives in China.