Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has stated the Maldives aims to further enhance the close bilateral relations established with China.
In an interview with Xinhua News Agency, Foreign Minister Shahid said the Maldivian government and its people note with gratitude the assistance received from the government of China and the Chinese people in combating the spread of the COVID-19. The minister said China has been and will continue to remain as an important economic and bilateral development partner of the Maldives. He added the Maldives is committed to working with China in further strengthening the strong ties of bilateral relations and the strong bonds of friendship between the people of the two countries.
Speaking further, Foreign Minister Shahid said the Maldives has greatly benefited in the implementation of development projects with the help of Chinese assistance and looks forward to further strengthening mutually beneficial development cooperation. On the Belt and Road Initiative, the foreign minister said the assistance Maldives has received from China over the years has contributed significantly to the socio-economic development of the country, from social housing to the implementation of infrastructure projects as well as human resource development. He also noted the Sinamale’ Bridge is a visible symbol of friendship between the two countries.
Responding to political allegations concerning China, the foreign minister said the Maldives-China relations were built on a solid foundation of a common historic bond. He said the Maldives will firmly uphold the one-China principle and is willing to work with China to further strengthen bilateral relations and the profound friendship between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect.