Maldives and China prepare to hold 7th Round of Bilateral Consultations.
The talks are scheduled to be held on January 26. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel will represent the Maldives while Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Lou Zhaohui represent China.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed the bilateral consultations will aim to enhance cooperation between the two countries on mutual areas of interest, such as in combating the COVID-19 global pandemic, on economic cooperation and also on multilateral issues. The ministry revealed the two countries will also discuss economic recovery in a post-COVID world, and on the resumption of trade and tourism between Maldives and China at the earliest possible opportunity.
Noting the Maldives is keen on continuing its dialogue with its developmental partners, such as China, as the country embarks on a path of resilience and recovery post-COVID pandemic, the foreign ministry said the Maldives is especially interested in further strengthening the development cooperation between the two countries. The ministry said the two countries are set to hold discussions regarding future projects and new areas of cooperation for the year 2021.
The last bilateral consultation between Maldives and China was held in 2017 in the Maldives. Due to the ongoing pandemic and travel restrictions, this round of consultations will take place virtually between the two sides.
Bilateral consultations have proved to be an excellent avenue for both countries to take stock of its partnership and to find ways to strengthen existing areas of cooperation.