"...I look forward to that kind of assistance and a good relationship with China in the coming years"
President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his belief that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) undertaken by the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping can play a crucial role in the development of the Maldives.
In an interview given to China Xinhua News, Dr. Muizzu called the Sinamalé bridge connecting Hulhumalé and Malé constructed under BRI to be the most iconic, transformational development project to have been completed in Maldives to date.
He noted that the bridge has brought development, and a positive change to the lives of hundreds of thousands of citizens. He praised the close ties with China, adding that additionally, other projects including social housing and airport development have also been conducted under the Chinese government's assistance.
Dr. Muizzu added that he believes what the Maldives needs is further assistance of the kind and development partnerships with China and other countries.
"I believe this is the way forward. And I look forward to that kind of assistance and a good relationship with China in the coming years," he said.
Dr. Muizzu stated that he has high expectations of China's BRI.
"I believe the Belt and Road Initiative can play a crucial role in our development," he said, noting that other countries involved would also be seeing a positive impact on their development.
The third meeting of the Belt and Road Forum has commenced today in Beijing, China. The initiative, which began 10 years ago, has already conducted multiple infrastructural development projects in about 150 countries.