Chinese Ambassador to Maldives: Should write new chapter of bilateral relations with broader vision

Ambassador of China to Maldives Wang Lixin on Saturday said that both nations should continue with the past and open up the future for a new chapter to be written for the bilateral relations, with “far-reaching eyesight and broader vision.”

She made this statement while speaking at the official reception held to mark the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Maldives-China, as well as the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

During her speech, Wang noted that both President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the President of China Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages, spoke highly of the development of the bilateral relationship, and set a clear direction for its future development

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Maldives. On 14th October, President Xi Jinping and President Solih exchanged congratulatory messages with each other. The two heads of state spoke highly of the development of our bilateral relationship and set a clear direction for its future development.

“President Xi highlighted that over the past 50 years of diplomatic ties between China and Maldives, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, which has set a good example of countries of different sizes treating each other as equals and seeking win-win cooperation,” she said.

Moreover, she said that in recent years, both nations worked together to overcome difficulties such as the Covid-19 pandemic, deepened cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiatives as well as upheld and promoted true multilateralism.

She added that this provided a new impetus and opened up a new prospect for China-Maldives relations.    

Speaking further about the leader’s exchange, Wang revealed that President Solih pointed out that the Maldives-China relationship is based on the firm commitment Maldives has towards the one-China principle.

“In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Maldives relations have maintained a good momentum of steady development. Both sides have understood and supported each other on issues concerning our respective core interests and major concerns. The Maldivian government has been firmly committed to the one-China principle. China has been strongly supporting the Maldives to speed up economic and social development and improve self-development capability.”

Describing the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge under the Belt and Road Initiative as the symbol of the profound friendship between China & Maldives, she stated that the bridge has witnessed over 100 million crossings over the past 4 years.

Wang spoke of other projects completed with Chinese aid and their impacts on Maldivian society as well. This includes the social housing units, and the newly upgraded and expanded Velana International Airport.

“China is ready to work with the Maldives in further enhancing political trust, strengthening practical cooperation, expanding people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as deepening traditional friendship so as to promote our future-oriented all-round friendly and cooperative partnership to a new level.”

Furthermore, she took the opportunity to express gratitude to the “friends from all walks of life who have long supported China-Maldives relations.” 

The ceremony also marked the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Expressing her sentiments on this, Wang stated that October also marked the convening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been successfully convened this week. She went on to express her happiness at getting together to celebrate these “important occasions of special historic significance.”

She spoke at length on the accomplishments of the CPC, as well as those achieved by the entire nation during the past years.

“The Chinese people are ready to join hands with the people of the world including the Maldivian people to create a better future for humanity,” she said.

President Solih, Vice President Faisal Naseem, Foreign Minster Abdulla Shahid, former President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, cabinet ministers, members of the People’s Majlis, and senior officials of the government attended the reception held at Dharubaaruge.