Xi Jinping: China-Maldives relations have set a good example

China’s President Xi Jinping has stated that China-Maldives relations have set a good example of countries of different sizes treating each other as equals and seeking win-win cooperation.

In a congratulatory message sent to Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and China on Thursday night – Xi said that over the past 50 years, both nations have always respected and supported each other.

He stressed that this set a good example of countries of different sizes treating each other as equals and seeking win-win cooperation.

Xi highlighted that during recent years, both countries tided over difficulties together and offered helping hands to each other, worked together to cope with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic unseen in a century, deepened cooperation under the belt and road Initiative as well as upheld and promoted the true multilateralism, which provided new impetus and opened up new prospect for China-Maldives relations.

Xi also reiterated commitment work alongside Maldives to promote the development of China-Maldives relations

“I attach great importance to the development of China-Maldives relations. I’m ready to work with you to promote the steady development of China-Maldives future-oriented all-round friendly and cooperative partnership so as to bring more benefits to our two countries and peoples,” he had said.

President Solih also sent a congratulatory message to Xi, and Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang during which he stated that China is among the Maldives’ most important bilateral partners.

Foreign Ministers of both nations also exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and China.

China’s Foreign Minister, State Councilor Wang Yi’s message read that China and Maldives have enjoyed healthy and stable development over the past 50 years. He added that political trust between the two nations has been enhanced and cooperation in various fields had been strengthened – with both sides also supporting each other in international and regional affairs.

“I’m ready to work with you to implement the important consensus reached by the heads of state of our two countries and promote the China-Maldives future-oriented all-round friendly and cooperative partnership with greater development,” he added.

Meanwhile, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid’s message read that contributions made by China towards the Maldives’ socio-economic development are extraordinary. He reiterated that Maldives will continue to make every effort to further improve its bilateral relations with China – founded upon shared respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the Maldives’ firm commitment to the One-China Principle.