President attends the official reception held to mark the 45th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.

December 07, 2017

In an official reception held to commemorate the 45th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and the People’s Republic of China, President Yameen stated that the relationship between the two countries has reached new heights and that the Maldives considers China as their “closest development and commercial partner” today.

In his speech at the reception, the President said that the Maldives considers China to be one of their truest friends, and underscored the mutual understanding, trust, and respect between the two countries, on which the longstanding partnership is based on. He especially highlighted that China understands that as a nation, the solutions to problems the Maldives faces can only be homegrown; believing in our capability to resolve our domestic affairs.

The President further highlighted the successful 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 for a future-oriented partnership. He noted that the ground-breaking infrastructure projects launched after President Xi Jinping’s visit, including the construction of the friendship bridge between Male’ and Hulhule’ and the construction of a new runway, would stand as visible symbols of the everlasting friendship between the Maldives and China.

President Yameen 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.

Noting that today Maldives was going through a key transformational moment in its history, President Yameen stated that to achieve the true aspirations and desires of the Maldivian people, particularly the youth population, we needed to find creative and sustainable ways to enhance our economic base, create more opportunities for gainful employment, and provide livelihood opportunities for our people across the country. 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, His Excellency Xi Jinping. During President Yameen’s State Visit, official talks will be held between the Government of Maldives and the Government of China – and key agreements will be signed with a view to enhance trade, professional and socioeconomic development as well as Technological and other collaborations between the two countries. The President will also meet with key leaders of China, and discuss ways to further accelerate socioeconomic ties between the Maldives and China.

Source: President’s Office