President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Saturday that China plays an important role in the development of Maldives and he hopes the relationship between Maldives and China strengthen even further in the future.
At the official reception held to mark 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relationship between the two nations, President Solih said China has always been an important development partner for Maldives. He noted that the country's first social housing project carried out in Male' city; the Sina-Male' flats, was completed with Chinse assistance. President Solih said China has since assisted and continues to assist many infrastructural and developmental projects carried out in Maldives.
He also noted that China had aided Maldives in solving the issue of locals in administrative islands going without clean drinking water by assisting the installing of seawater desalination plants.
President @ibusolih attends the reception to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and China, & the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. State dignitaries were also in attendance at the reception pic.twitter.com/jDMNjelMQc
— The President's Office (@presidencymv) October 22, 2022
President Solih said Maldives had signed several agreements with China this year as well, including projects dealing with social and economic issues. While acknowledging the strengthened ties between the two nations over the past 30 years, he said he hoped the relationship will continue to improve.
The President noted China's contribution in developing Maldives infrastructural projects such as the construction of Hiyaa Flats and Sina-Male' Bridge. He expressed hope that the increase in flights between Maldives and China further support the increasing number of Chinese tourists to Maldives after a near halt in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In his address, president Solih stressed on the need for China to expand their role in providing assistance to countries facing economic crises. Additionally, he congratulated China for successfully holding its National Congress as well.
Chinese Ambassador H.E. Wang Lixin presented a golden jubilee memento to the President Solih at ceremony to commemorate the half-century anniversary of diplomatic relations between Maldives and China.
The ceremony was attended by the President, Vice President Faisal Naseem, officials of the Chinese Embassy and Cabinet members.
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