Maldives and China sign military aid agreement

The Maldives has signed an agreement of military aid with the People’s Republic of China. Maldivian Minister of Defense Colonel Retired Mohammed Nazim signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives during his ongoing official visit to China.

A spokesperson from the Maldives National Defense Forces (MNDF) told today that the agreement was signed during a meeting between Minister Nazim and his Chinese counterpart General Liang Guanglie on Tuesday, last week.

Under the agreement, the two nations would cooperate in the military field, and the Chinese government would grant military assistance to the Maldives.

During his visit to China, Minister Nazim met with Xu Qiliang, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission. The two discussed in ways to further strengthen military relationship with the two countries, according to the MNDF.

Minister Nazim also visited the Chinese National Defense University, and discussed the officials of the University about opportunities of military education and training there for the MNDF. The Minister also visited PLA Navy Submarine Academy, where he met with Maldivian Coastguard members who are completing a training program.

Minister Nazim’s visit is in acceptance of an invitation by his Chinese counterpart, and he will be back today. He flew to China on the 10th of this month.