Maldives’ president Abdulla Yameen (L-2) and first lady Fathimath Ibrahim (L) pictured with China’s president Xi Jinping (R-2) and first lady Peng Liyuan during Yameen’s first state visit to China. PHOTO/NEWS.CN
The governments of the Maldives and China held official talks Thursday during which Chinese president Xi Jinping declared that the collaboration between the two allies is a “wonderful, model partnership that could happen between a large and small nation”.
The talks took place at the Great Hall of People in Beijing, as part of president Abdulla Yameen’s first state visit to China.
During the discussion, Yameen congratulated Xi Jinping on reaching the 45th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and China. Highlighting the enduring bilateral relations between the two countries, Yameen pronounced China as one of the Maldives’ closest friends and most trusted development partners. He expressed hopes to strengthen ties with China in the future.
Yameen also thanked the president, government and people of China for the country’s role in the socio-economic and infrastructure development of the Maldives. Stressing that the Maldivian youth are the main focus of his government’s socio-economic development agenda, Yameen shed light on the projects planned in that area.
The talks also focused on opportunities for further collaborations between the Maldives and China, especially in the sectors of housing, waste management, green technology, maritime cooperation, healthcare, finance and counter-terrorism efforts. Touching on the agreements signed between the two governments that day, Yameen expressed confidence that the pacts would facilitate win-win projects for the development of both countries.
President Yameen also declared that the Maldives would continue to work with China in the international area and multilateral forums.
The governments of the Maldives and China signed 12 key agreements in the ceremony held Thursday, including the landmark free trade pact and cooperation with China’s One Belt, One Road Initiative.
Yameen met with key leaders of China during his four-day maiden visit to discuss avenues for further establishment of socio-economic relations. The president also met with Chinese investors and Maldivians residing in China.
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