China signs MVR 1.3 billion grant aid agreement with Maldives

China has signed an agreement to provide MVR 1.3 billion in grant assistance to the Maldives.

The agreement, valued at 600 million Chinese yuan, was signed on Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel and the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Kong Xianhua.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the grant aid will be used to finance several key development projects, including the construction of the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Villingili, road development projects in Male' and Villingili, and the construction of council buildings on 50 islands.

Following the signing ceremony, Minister Khaleel expressed his appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their continued support. He said China remains an important development partner for the Maldives.

Ambassador Kong Xianhua reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting the Maldives’ development, stating that the ongoing and planned projects would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.