President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik has praised China for its policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
The President made this statement in an interview with China’s State Media Xinhua News Agency, as part of his current visit to China.
The President said that unlike other influential countries, China looks at the international affairs of small countries such as Maldives from a unique perspective.
"China is emerging as one of the superpowers now. In that sense, it will inevitably play a significant role in world affairs," President Dr Waheed told Xinhua news.
The President also expressed his gratitude to China for the increase in the number of Chinese tourists arriving in Maldives, and noted that China is currently the biggest tourist market for the Maldives.
The President stressed that much work needs to be done to strengthen the ties between Maldives and China.
"We need to promote knowledge about Maldives in China. It is important that we bring more information about our country to potential Chinese travellers to Maldives," President Dr Waheed told Xinhua News.
Highlighting that China is a huge market where a lot of innovations and developments are ongoing, the President expressed interest to expand Maldives’ trade and commerce with China, similar to the actions of all other countries in the world.
The President is currently on an official visit to China on an invitation by the Chinese government. The invitation was extended by members of a Chinese Muslim delegation who visited Maldives during Ramadan.
During the President’s current visit, he is planned also to visit the China Eurasia Expo.