Ambassador of China to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua, delivered warm remarks at a farewell dinner on July 17, 2025, for the Maldivian media delegation preparing to visit Yunnan Province, China.
Ambassador Kong highlighted Yunnan’s rich cultural heritage, ecological innovation, and its strategic role as a gateway connecting China with South and Southeast Asia, including the Indian Ocean region. He emphasized that the trip aligns with the bilateral commitment to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
He praised the longstanding “ping-pong friendship” between Yunnan and the Maldives, noting recent sports exchanges and donations of infrastructure and educational equipment to Maldivian islands. The ambassador encouraged the media delegation to showcase Yunnan’s unique blend of tradition and modernization, including green technology initiatives like zero-carbon hydrogen plants and smart agriculture.
Ambassador Kong urged the journalists to act as bridge-builders, sharing stories that highlight environmental sustainability, rural revitalization, and cultural diversity to inspire collaboration under the “Green Silk Road” framework. He encouraged live updates during the trip to bring Yunnan’s experiences directly to Maldivian audiences.
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Kong wished the delegation a fruitful visit and expressed hope for enduring friendship between China and the Maldives.