President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has described the Maldives’ relationship with China as an important and longstanding partnership, saying the geographical distance between the two countries has not prevented them from maintaining close ties.
The President made the remarks on Thursday evening while attending a reception to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which is officially marked on October 1.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Muizzu said China remains an important partner for the Maldives and highlighted the benefits the country has received through decades of bilateral cooperation.
He said the relationship is rooted in mutual respect and sovereign equality, adding that Maldivians have seen the results of cooperation with China through projects and initiatives implemented across the country.
Muizzu said the partnership should not be viewed simply through diplomatic statements or agreements signed between the two governments. Instead, he said its strength could be measured through the tangible outcomes those agreements have produced for Maldivians.
Among the most visible examples of Chinese involvement in the Maldives are the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, housing developments and other infrastructure projects. Cooperation between the two countries also extends to education, technical training, trade and institutional support.
The President expressed hope that bilateral relations would continue to remain strong and expand further in the years ahead, particularly as the Maldives seeks international partnerships to support its development goals.
Relations between Malé and Beijing were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership following Muizzu’s state visit to China in January 2024. The President has since made another visit to China, travelling there in 2025 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit and holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Muizzu has repeatedly described China as an important development partner for the Maldives. Last month, during a visit to the China-Maldives Everlasting Friendship Park, he thanked the Chinese government for its continued assistance, while Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua reaffirmed Beijing’s support for the Maldives’ development.
In his remarks on Thursday, Muizzu also pointed to the historical connections between the two countries through maritime routes across the Indian Ocean, saying the relationship has grown from those longstanding exchanges into a broader modern partnership.
The National Day reception included a video presentation highlighting China’s development and Maldives-China relations, along with a cake-cutting ceremony and special performances organised for the occasion.
