Maldives and China have signed a development cooperation deal worth USD 85 million. The agreement signed is intended to support Maldives’ key development priorities over the coming years.
At a ceremony held this morning at Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, signed the Agreement on behalf of the Government of Maldives, while Mr. Kong Xianhua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Maldives, signed on behalf of the Government of China. Senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other distinguished guests were also in attendance.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Maldives Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel said the agreement reflected longstanding ties and cooperation between the Maldives and China.
He noted that Chinese assistance had contributed to several major development projects in the Maldives over recent decades, including housing developments in Hulhumalé, support for the health sector, growth in tourism arrivals, and the construction of the China–Maldives Friendship Bridge.
According to the minister, funding under the agreement will prioritise three main projects: the development of the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Villimalé, road development in Malé and Villimalé, and the construction of 50 island council buildings nationwide. Dr Khaleel expressed appreciation to the Chinese government for its continued support and said the Maldives would continue to work closely with China on development initiatives.
China’s ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, said Beijing would continue to support the Maldives’ development agenda and emphasised China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through the implementation of agreed projects.