A special reception was hosted by the Embassy of Maldives in China to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Independence of Maldives. The Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Mr Liu Jianchao was the Guest of Honour at the reception.
Speaking at the Reception Ambassador Mohamed Faisal looked at the history of Maldives independence and noted that independence provided the opportunity for Maldives to embark on nation building and modernization. Ambassador Faisal noted that over the past 50 years successive Governments have pursued policies crafted to maintain the independence of Maldives, establishing systems of governance, institutions and mechanisms, to create opportunities for the Maldivian people to advance their lives and together build a modern nation.
Ambassador Faisal also focused on the economic reform programme of President Yameen aimed at making Maldives a resilient and economically self-sufficient country. “In 1965, Maldives gained political independence, and now under the visionary leadership of President Yameen, Maldives is looking to revolutionise the country’s economic landscape so that we will also be masters of our own economic destiny”, said Ambassador Faisal.
“While Maldives is a very beautiful country, admired by all, the goal of President Yameen’s Government is to also make it the best place to do business in Asia and attract the investment needed to realize the collective vision of the people – that of a prosperous, self-sufficient and economically independent Maldives”, said the Ambassador.
During his remarks Ambassador Faisal also highlighted the close relations between the Maldives and China, and noted that as Maldives celebrates the golden jubilee of independence, Maldives and China are also enjoying a golden period of relations. He noted that the relationship was built on mutual trust, respect, and win-win cooperation.
The Reception was attended by Ambassadors and diplomats, senior officials of the Chinese Government, members and heads of several Chinese companies, organizations and media.
The Reception hosted with the assistance of companies in China and Maldives, also featured Maldivian food and music. Special Maldivian gift packs were presented to invitees which included a gift containing sand from the Maldives. A lucky draw was also held with a grand prize of a holiday package in the Maldives.