The Chinese government has assured support to facilitate the acceleration of the implementation of development projects in the pipeline pledged for the Maldives. The assurance was extended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi during a courtesy call on President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
During the meeting held at the President’s Office, President Dr Muizzu extended a warm welcome to Minister Wang Yi and thanked the Minister for visiting the Maldives. The President expressed gratitude for the close friendship between the Maldives and China and the generous support from China towards the Maldives’ development goals over the years. The President reflected on his state visit to China in January last year as a highly fruitful engagement that elevated bilateral cooperation between the two countries to new heights.
President Dr Muizzu emphasised the importance of expediting key infrastructure development projects under the concluded agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the two countries. He underscored the need to prioritise social housing and road development projects that are among the most pressing needs of the Maldivian people. Furthermore, the President highlighted his administration’s focus on economic diversification, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, and sought China’s support in advancing these critical areas.
In response, Minister Wang Yi conveyed appreciation to President Dr Muizzu for his commitment to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between the two countries, adding that the President is a good friend and trustworthy partner of China.
Minister Wang also commended President Dr Muizzu’s development vision for the Maldives and affirmed China’s continued support for the country’s sustainable development. He assured the Chinese government’s support to facilitate the acceleration of the implementation of development projects in the pipeline. He further acknowledged Maldives’ commitment to the One-China Principle and highlighted the cooperation between the two countries as a testament to how nations, regardless of size, can collaborate effectively for mutual progress and prosperity.
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing their mutual commitment to carry forward the China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership that was agreed between the two countries during President Dr Muizzu’s state visit to China and to further strengthen cooperation on multilateral platforms, towards a shared future.