Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid has stated the bilateral relations between the Maldives and China will continue to rise to new heights in the coming years. He made the remarks in a joint statement delivered following the official talks held between the two countries as part of the official visit of State Councilor and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi to the Maldives.
In his address, Minister Shahid said as the Maldives and China celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the visit of State Councilor Wang Yi undoubtedly marks an important milestone in the longstanding Maldives-China relationship. Shahid said for the past five decades, China has been an important partner in the socio-economic development of the Maldives, contributing immensely towards social housing, capacity building, infrastructure development, and tourism. He expressed confidence that the Maldives-China relations will rise to new heights under the able leadership of both President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and President Xi Jinping.
Speaking further, Minister Shahid thanked State Councilor Wang Yi and the Chinese government, for the generous assistance it had provided to the Maldives in the recent past, including the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, the housing units in Hulhumale’, and the expansion of the Velana International Airport. The foreign minister also thanked the Chinese government for the kind assistance provided to the Maldives to combat the community spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the form of the 200,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccines, and other medical equipment and supplies.
Minister Shahid noted the two countries have signed key agreements during this visit of State Councilor Wang Yi, which will add further momentum to the Maldives-China dialogue and address the needs of both Maldivians and Chinese alike. As such, he noted the visa exemption agreement will allow Maldivian nationals to travel to China on a 30-day visa free basis once the borders are re-opened.
Minister Shahid reiterated that the Maldives will endeavour to respect and uphold its relationship with China. He added the two countries have reached a threshold of maturity and friendship in bilateral relations, as evidenced by the intensity of ongoing dialogue and people to people contact. He expressed confidence that the relations, and cooperation in all areas, will be further strengthened and enhanced in the years ahead.