China regards Maldives as an important partner in building the 21st century maritime Silk Road, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao said Friday.
The Maldives officially entered China’s new Silk Road project “Belt and Road” in 2014, which mainly aims to undertake infrastructural projects in various countries.
China has funded major infrastructure development in the Maldives, including the nation’s main airport and the ongoing landmark bridge project connecting capital Male with airport island Hulhule.
The Link Road connecting the island wards of southernmost Addu atoll had also been developed with China’s free aid.
Moreover, several Chinese private firms continue to invest in the tourism and construction sectors of the archipelago, especially in the reclaimed suburb Hulhumale.
During a meeting with the visiting foreign minister Dr Mohamed Asim on Friday, the Chinese VP called for boosting bilateral talks on a free trade agreement, and facilitating the joint project of China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, which connects Maldives' airport island to Male, the capital, according to the Chinese media.
Li also called for closer tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
According to media reports, Asim said the Maldives sticks to the one-China policy and hopes to cement cooperation with China within the Belt and Road Initiative.
Since this year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Maldives and China, both expressed hope on celebrating the occasion in a special manner, a Maldives foreign ministry statement read after the sit-down.