Ref: 2024/PR/211
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, Moosa Zameer, and Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, has held extensive bilateral discussions in Beijing, today.
Minister Wang warmly welcomed Minister Zameer to China and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to further strengthen the historic and friendly relations between the two countries. Minister Zameer extended warm greetings from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and formally delivered two letters addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping from President Dr. Muizzu.
During the meeting, Minister Zameer reiterated Maldives’ commitment to the One-China Principle and to the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership agreed upon during President Dr. Muizzu's State Visit to China in January this year. The discussions covered a wide range of topics essential to the continued enhancement of Maldives-China relations.
Minister Zameer highlighted the significant milestone of over 50 years of close cooperation between the Maldives and China and emphasised the commitment to elevate bilateral relations further. Minister Zameer thanked China for its substantial support through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has played a pivotal role in the Maldives' socio-economic development. He specifically mentioned transformative projects such as the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and various other infrastructure developments, including the expansion of Velana International Airport and social housing projects.
Minister Zameer also briefed the Chinese Foreign Minister on the economic and fiscal situation in the Maldives, emphasising the importance of carrying out diligently, the fiscal reforms as announced by President Dr. Muizzu. He further requested China’s support to the Maldives in carrying out the reform programme, which will foster consumer and investor confidence in the Maldivian economy which would then positively impact our economic resilience.
The meeting concluded with both parties reiterating their commitment to exploring new avenues for cooperation. Minister Zameer expressed heartfelt appreciation for China’s continued support and looked forward to further solidifying the political and economic cooperation between the Maldives and China.
Minister Zameer was accompanied by Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq, Minister of Finance, Dr. Abdulla Muththalib, Minister of Construction and Infrastructure, Dr. Fazeel Najeeb, Ambassador-Designate and Senior Officials of the Government of Maldives, and the Embassy of Maldives in China.
The Official Talks were followed by a reception hosted by Minister Wang Yi in honour of Minister Zameer and the official delegation.
ENDS