President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has expressed that China is the closest development and commercial partner of Maldives. Stating that the development partnership between the Maldives and China has reached a new high point over the past four years, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has described China as Maldives closest development and commercial partner. The President made this remark in his statement delivered at the official reception held to mark the 45th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Maldives and China.
In his speech, President Yameen said that Maldives considers China to be one of its truest friends, and underscored the mutual understanding, trust, and respect between the two countries, on which the longstanding partnership is based on. The President emphasised that China understands that as a nation, the solutions to problems the Maldives faces can only be homegrown; believing in its capability to resolve domestic affairs.
Moreover, the President highlighted the fruitful discussions held and agreements signed between the Maldives and China during President Xi Jinping's historic State Visit to Maldives in 2014, which paved the way to a partnership of future oriented, all-round friendly, cooperative ties. President Yameen also expressed his gratitude to President Xi Jinping, the Government and the people of China for their generous assistance towards the socio-economic development of the Maldives.
To to achieve the true aspirations and desires of the Maldivian people, particularly the youth population, Maldives needed to find creative and sustainable ways to enhance the economic base, create more opportunities for gainful employment, and provide livelihood opportunities for the people across the country, stated the President noting that Maldives is going through a key transformational moment in its history. In this regard, the President invited Chinese entrepreneurs to be partners in the Maldives developmental journey.
The President and First Lady are currently on a State Visit to China, at the invitation of the President of China, Xi Jinping.