China is a trusted development partner among countries the Maldives has diplomatic relations with, says Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Asim.
Asim made the comment during the farewell of Chinese Ambassador to Maldives, Wang Fukang, held last Wednesday night.
Speaking during the farewell, Asim said Wang, during his tenure as Ambassador, had successfully strengthened the ties between the two countries.
He noted the multiple ongoing and planned development projects in Maldives funded by the Chinese government, The Agreement of Establishing Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Corporation, and the free trade agreement between Maldives and China which is in the works.
Asim also noted an influx of Chinese investment to Maldives, as well as number of Chinese tourists visiting Maldives. He said the partnership with China had brought about great development to the Maldivian economy.
He also credited the new runway under construction at Velana International Airport – which he said could not have happened without Ambassador Wang.
Asim said Wang had been active and popular, and that he was always welcome back to Maldives. He invited Wang to visit Maldives in the near future to witness the development he had helped bring to the country.
The farewell was attended by State dignitaries, heads of institutions, foreign diplomats and Chinese citizens living in Maldives.