President of Maldives Yameen Abdul Gayoom states the closest ally and biggest contributor to the development and progress of Maldives is China.
While speaking at the 10th China-South Asia Business Forum’s opening ceremony، at Kunming، President Yameen stated that China has been an “old friend” and helped significantly in the social and economical development of Maldives.
In his speech، President Yameen also noted that Maldives has “graduated” from the list of poorest nations in the world، while it has advanced towards the “economically moderate” list. He also highlighted that Maldives will be celebrating its 50th Independence on the upcoming 26th July.
“The development statistics of Maldives is comparatively better than most of the countries in this region، a lot of foreign agencies forecast Maldives will continue progressing and developing the years to come، and China along with SAARC alliance deserves the credit and praise in their continued help and support in contributing towards our development” President Yameen said.
In addition to this، President went on to further praise China stating that، the second largest economy in Asian region contributes to the welfare and progress of Maldivian economy in the form of their tourists who visit Maldives in abundant proportions each year. He also affirmed that China takes about of one-third of all tourist visits accounted for in Maldives per year.
 
President Yameen had also thanked China for their aid and help in the infrastructure development of Maldives، and had expressed gratitude for China’s role in the construction of Maldives National Museum، Foreign Ministry building as well as other housing projects across Maldives which is under various Chinese corporations، and aided by its government.
 
President Yameen had further highlighted of the visits by the leaders of both countries to the other، and the formation of Joint Commissions along with the MOUs signed، which will be beneficial to both Maldives and China.
“MoUs have been signed on tourism، maritime cooperation، defence and a number of ambitious infrastructure development programmes”