Maldives-China discuss enhancing defense cooperation

Discussions were held on enhancing defense cooperation between the Maldives and China on Tuesday.

The Deputy Director of China’s Office for International Military Cooperation Major General Zhang Baoqun paid a courtesy call on Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Tuesday. The meeting was held at the President’s Office.

As per the President’s Office, President Muizzu expressed his gratitude to the Government of China for its continued support and assistance to the Maldives during the meeting.

It was reported by the Office that the President and Major General held comprehensive discussions on strategic partnerships and enhancing defense cooperation between Maldives and China.

Both of them expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations and partnerships while concluding the meeting, said the President’s Office.

While Maldives has initiated discussions with China to enhance defense cooperation – Maldives and China presently have not established extensive cooperation in terms of defense. Rather, China has been a crucial partner to the Maldives in terms of infrastructural development and trade instead.

The island nation has mainly been cooperating with neighboring nations with respect to security matters.