In a vibrant ceremony steeped in Maldivian tradition, His Excellency Kong Xianhua, the newly appointed Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Maldives, officially presented his Letters of Credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu at the President’s Office this morning.
The ambassador’s arrival was marked by a grand “Haiykolhu” cultural procession, featuring the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band, escorting him from Republic Square to the President’s Office.
During their meeting, President Muizzu warmly welcomed Ambassador Kong and reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to its enduring friendship with China. The ambassador conveyed President Xi Jinping’s personal regards and emphasized the Maldives’ special significance in China’s foreign policy. He assured continued support for the Maldives’ development goals, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
Diplomatic relations between the Maldives and China were established on October 14, 1972, marking over five decades of cooperation. This partnership has seen significant growth, with China investing in various infrastructure projects across the Maldives.
Ambassador Kong’s appointment and the ceremonial presentation of credentials underscore the mutual respect and deepening ties between the two countries, setting the stage for continued collaboration in the years ahead.
About Ambassador Kong Xianhua
Born in September 1972, Ambassador Kong Xianhua holds a Bachelor’s degree and has served in various important capacities prior to his current appointment. Notably, he served as the Consul General of China in Mumbai, India, where he was responsible for fostering relations between China and the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. During his tenure, he engaged extensively with local leaders, media, and academic institutions to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between China and India.
Ambassador Kong’s extensive diplomatic experience and commitment to fostering bilateral relations position him well to further enhance the strategic partnership between China and the Maldives.