Maldives’ president Abdulla Yameen (R) and China’s president Xi Jinping during Yameen’s first state visit to China. PHOTO/PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
President Abdulla Yameen and first lady Fathimath Ibrahim concluded their first state visit to China and returned to the Maldives late Saturday.
The governments of both nations signed 12 key agreements during the visit, including the landmark free trade pact between the two allies, and on cooperation with China’s One Belt, One Road Initiative. Other agreements included initiatives to enhance bilateral relations in the sectors of trade, socio-economic development and technology among others.
The high-level delegations of both countries also held official talks to discuss avenues for further collaboration between the Maldives and China. Yameen had also met with major Chinese investors and banking institutions to discuss foreign investments and opportunities.
Moreover, the first couple had met Maldivians residing in Beijing and attended the official reception to mark the 45th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and China as part of the state visit.
The Maldives has been establishing closer ties with China ever since Yameen came to power in 2013. China has made a significant number of investments in the Maldives, most notably the development of the landmark bridge between capital Male and airport island Hulhule, and the expansion project of Velana International Airport.