President and First Lady meet the Maldivian community residing in China

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim have this evening met with the Maldivian families and students residing in China. The meeting was held at the Legendale Hotel in Beijing.

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 two countries – and key agreements will be signed to enhance trade, professional and socioeconomic development as well as technological and other collaborations.

The President will also meet key leaders from China, and discuss ways to further accelerate socioeconomic ties between the two countries.

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Statement by His Excellency Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, President of the Republic of Maldives, at the Maldives Business Leaders forum of China

Senior Government Officials of the People’s Republic of China, Leaders of the business community from China,

Ladies and Gentlemen;

Nǐ hǎo

It is a great pleasure for me to meet with leaders from the business community represented here, once again in this beautiful city of Beijing.

At the very outset, I would like to thank all of you for making time, from your very busy schedules, and the interest shown to meet me and my delegation.

The number of entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors gathered here today signify the growing commercial relationship between China and the Maldives, and the interest shown by the Chinese and Maldivian business community to seek mutually beneficial commercial undertakings.

In the last 4 years of my administration, both countries have worked very closely on a number of fronts. Trade, investment and people to people exchanges have shown remarkable growth, enabling the two nations to forge closer economic ties at unprecedented levels.

According to the latest trade statistics, total trade flows have been growing steadily annually.

In December 2013, total merchandise trade stood at USD 81.3 m.

On the investment side, Maldives has witnessed an increased interest from Chinese investors. As we speak, Chinese investments are already underway in the tourism industry.

Chinese engagement and support is vivid in major projects such as the construction of the China – Maldives Friendship Bridge, upgrading and expansion of Velana International Airport, real estate and housing development projects in Hulhumale’ Youth City to name a few.

In terms of tourist arrivals, China for the last 5 years, maintained its position as the most significant source market for arrivals. In 2016, we had over 324,000 Chinese arrivals, which is three times more than the second largest single source market.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Following President Xi’s historic state visit to Maldives in September 2014 and my visit to China in early 2014, both countries witnessed the dawn of a new era on Sino-Maldives relations that is built on mutual co-existence and Future-Oriented All-Round Friendly Cooperative Ties.

It is with deep satisfaction and gratitude that I take note of China’s valuable partnership and contribution in our transformation journey.

I am confident that, under the able and visionary leadership of President Xi, the road ahead is a promising one for both countries, in bringing win-win growth and development outcomes.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is the third time in a span of 4 years that I am meeting the Chinese business community and leaders. On every occasion, the reception I have received from the Chinese business community and industry leaders has been remarkable.

Following the initial dialogues I had with the business community in 2014, with a view to broadening commercial engagement with the Chinese business community, Maldives took part in the 4th South Asia Exhibition in Kunming as the Country of Honor and convened the second Maldives Investment Forum in the City of Beijing.

At an official level, bilateral talks were held under the framework of Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation where both countries agreed to commence negotiations to enter into a Free Trade Agreement. We also became a founding member of Asian Infrastructure Bank and endorsed our commitment to President Xi’s “Belt and Road Initiative”.

The China-Maldives FTA signed during this visit, solidified the framework to deepen our bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

Both countries have made WTO-Plus commitments under goods and services trade.

We are a destination famous for luxury travel and visit of high net-worth individuals.

Along with the flow of over 1.2 million tourists annually, bring in an array of business opportunities.

Finance, aviation, transport, real-estate development and construction are lucrative sectors opened for investments and there are untapped potential in the country to develop new industries such as mariculture.

Special initiatives of the Government underway include, the development of Hulhumale’ Youth City with many opportunities for Chinese investors. The development of Special Economic Zones are planned to foster and diversify economic development in the outer atolls.

Investments by the Government in the Greater Male’ area, facilitated by the bridge connectivity, will further enhance business and investment prospects in the central region of the country.

With the China Maldives Free Trade Agreement that will be signed today, we would be inking these assurances to the Chinese and Maldivian business community. The panel discussion that will follow my remarks will give an opportunity for you to raise and clarify questions on the investment climate in the Maldives.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In conclusion, let me assure that there is no better time to invest in the Maldives than now.

Our doors will always remain open for FDI.

The Maldives will always work with China in the international arena on issues of mutual interest. Maldives has always looked to China as a global leader and an invaluable friend.

We will continue to work with China, to further strengthen and enhance the strong relationship between our two countries further.

Thank you all.

 

Source: President’s Office 

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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

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Statement by the Government of Maldives on the decision by the United States of America on the status of Jerusalem

December 06, 2017

The decision by the United States of America to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and relocate its Embassy to Jerusalem is a flagrant disregard of international law which could have dire consequences not only for the Middle East peace process and to the peace, security and stability in the region, but also, to the maintenance of international peace and security as a whole.

A lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through a negotiated final settlement by both sides that would end the cycle of violence and bloodshed, and allow for the viability of a two-state solution. The Maldives considers East Jerusalem as occupied Palestinian territory. The Maldives, therefore, calls on the United States to respect the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and not hinder the international efforts to advance the peace process.

The establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, on the Palestinian lands with pre-1967 borders, living side by side with Israel, is the only solution and the only answer to the question of Palestine. The Government and people of Maldives reiterate its unwavering support to the Government and the people of the State of Palestine in its struggle for independence, sovereignty, and freedom against Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian territories.

The Maldives will continue to raise its collective voice in support of a sovereign and independent Palestine in all multilateral fora and other international platforms. We support the efforts undertaken by the Palestinian leadership in pursuit of recognition by the international community, and its efforts to seek redress and justice through the international system.

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Foreign Secretary departs to Jakarta to attend the Tenth Bali Democracy Forum

December 06,2017

Foreign Secretary Mr. Ahmed Sareer is on an official visit to Jakarta to attend the Tenth Bali Deocarasy Forum, to be held from December 7-8, 2017.

Established in 2008, the Bali Democracy Forum is an annual, open and inclusive intergovernmental forum that focuses on the promotion and development of democracy in the Asia-Pacific region. The forum brings together senior government officials and other important stakeholders to share valuable best practices, experiences and policy initiatives in building democratic societies.

This year’s theme “Does Democracy Deliver?” will explore how the practice of democracy affects the society in terms of managing diversity, security, equity and social justice. The Foreign Secretary will deliver a statement at the general debate of the forum.

 

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