Ref: 2025/PR/380
The Government of the Republic of Maldives and the Government of the People’s Republic of China have signed the Agreement on Development Cooperation.
At a ceremony held this morning, Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, signed the Agreement on behalf of the Government of Maldives, while Mr. Kong Xianhua, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Maldives, signed on behalf of the Government of China.
The Agreement provides an assistance package of RMB 600 million to support the Maldives’ key developmental priorities over the coming years.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel emphasised that the Agreement reflected the close friendship and strong cooperation between the Maldives and China. The Minister highlighted that Chinese assistance has played a transformative role in the Maldives’ development over the past decades, citing major contributions such as housing developments in Hulhumalé, support to the health sector, increased tourism arrivals, and the iconic China–Maldives Friendship Bridge.
The Minister further noted that the assistance under the Agreement will focus on three priority projects that includes the development of the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Villimalé, the Malé and Villimalé road development project, and the construction of 50 council buildings across the Maldives, amongst others.
The Minister conveyed his sincere appreciation to President Xi Jinping, the Government and people of China for their continued assistance and cooperation towards the development and prosperity of the Maldives. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to working closely with China to build a China–Maldives joint community with a shared future.
In his remarks, Ambassador Kong Xianhua, reiterated China’s continued support for the Maldives’ development efforts and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through the effective implementation of mutually agreed projects, for the shared prosperity of both nations.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other distinguished guests.