In a significant diplomatic engagement, His Excellency Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, paid a courtesy call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office on Thursday evening.
During the meeting, President Dr. Muizzu warmly welcomed Minister Wang Yi, expressing gratitude for the enduring friendship and substantial support China has provided toward the Maldives’ development over the years. Reflecting on his state visit to China in January 2024, President Muizzu described the engagement as a pivotal moment that elevated bilateral ties between the two nations to unprecedented levels.
The Maldivian President underscored the importance of expediting key infrastructure projects outlined in various agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the two nations. Highlighting the pressing needs of the Maldivian people, he called for prioritizing social housing and road development initiatives. Additionally, President Muizzu elaborated on his administration’s strategic focus on economic diversification, particularly in agriculture and fisheries, and sought China’s cooperation to advance these critical sectors.
Minister Wang Yi reciprocated the sentiments, describing President Muizzu as a trusted friend of China. He lauded the Maldivian leader’s development vision, affirming Beijing’s unwavering support for the Maldives’ sustainable growth. Wang Yi reiterated China’s commitment to accelerating the implementation of development projects and praised Maldives’ steadfast adherence to the One-China Principle, characterizing the bilateral relationship as an exemplary partnership between nations of differing scales.
The leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening the China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, a cornerstone agreement established during President Muizzu’s visit to China. Both parties also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation on multilateral platforms, aiming to foster mutual progress and prosperity.
The meeting concluded with a pledge to advance collaborative efforts across various sectors, reflecting the shared vision of a strengthened partnership and a harmonious future for both nations.