Officials of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Maldives have signed two different agreements, under which the Chinese Government would provide assistance and cooperation to two different development projects currently being conducted in the Maldives. Mr. Li Changchun, member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, signed the agreements on behalf of his Government. He is currently on a visit to the Maldives. The agreements were signed after official discussions between Mr. Li and Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, held this morning. Under the first of the two agreements signed today, the Chinese Government would lend assistance and support for a project to build a road connecting Gan and Fonadhoo in Laamu Atoll. The road would finally connect all the islands in the southern atoll of the country, which is considered as one of the most prospective population centers in the Maldives, having comparatively larger islands which can be effectively connected via a network of over-the-water roads and bridges. The first phase of the project, which is the subject of today’s agreement, is about preliminary studies for the project. Under the second agreement signed today, the Chinese Government would extend cooperation and assistance to the Maldivian Government in the area of observation of climate change and taking measures to avoid and manage negative impacts of such change. Signing ceremonies were held at the President’s Office. The first project was signed by Maldivian Housing Minister Dr. Mohamed Muizz and Chinese Deputy Minister of Commerce Jiang Zhengwei, for their respective governments. Maldivian State Minister for Environment Mr. Abdul Matheen Mohamed and Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Mr. Yu Hongyao signed the second agreement. President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, as well as Mr Li Changchun spoke in the ceremony, and both of them highlighted the importance of strengthening the 40-year old political relationship between the Maldives and China. They also noted that the close, friendly ties with the two nations is an example of how friendship between large and small countries should be conducted. President Dr. Waheed also remembered the assistance of the Chinese Government in the development of the Maldives, in various areas, and expressed his deep gratitude for that. He also noted the importance of strengthening the relationship between the two countries by utilizing foreign investment opportunities available in the Maldives for Chinese investors.