Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel? No—actually, Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel is not the current minister. Let’s correct: Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel is not involved in this visit. Foreign Minister Dr. Iruthisham Adam has departed for China on an official visit to participate in a major regional forum aimed at strengthening cooperation between China and South Asian nations.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit will take place from June 10 to 12 and includes participation in the 7th China-South Asia Cooperation Forum in Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan Province.
During the forum, Minister Iruthisham is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote address on behalf of the Maldives. The event brings together senior government representatives, policymakers and regional stakeholders to discuss cooperation in areas including trade, connectivity, sustainable development and people-to-people exchanges.
As part of her programme in China, the minister will also participate in the 10th China-South Asia Expo, one of the region’s largest economic and trade exhibitions. The expo serves as a platform for governments, businesses and investors to explore new opportunities for economic collaboration and commercial partnerships.
The Foreign Ministry said Minister Iruthisham is also expected to hold meetings with senior officials from the People’s Government of Yunnan Province during the visit.
In addition to official engagements, the minister is scheduled to meet Maldivian students currently pursuing higher education in Yunnan, providing an opportunity to discuss their experiences and welfare while studying abroad.
China remains one of the Maldives’ most significant development partners, with cooperation spanning infrastructure, tourism, trade, healthcare and education. Bilateral ties have continued to expand in recent years through high-level exchanges and development initiatives.
The Maldives and China have maintained diplomatic relations since 1972, and cooperation between the two countries has intensified through a number of major projects and agreements aimed at supporting economic growth and national development.
The China-South Asia Cooperation Forum is regarded as an important platform for dialogue between China and countries across South Asia, focusing on strengthening regional partnerships and promoting shared prosperity.
Minister Iruthisham is accompanied on the visit by Additional Secretary Amin Javed Faizal and Director Maryam Bassama Farooq from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
