News

The Vice Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) His Excellency Deng Boqing met with the Foreign Secretary of the Republic of Maldives, His Excellency Ahmed Latheef, today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the importance of the Global Development Initiatives proposed by China, and ways to further strengthen the bilateral relation between the two countries, as well as the ongoing projects by China in Maldives.

Foreign Secretary Latheef thanked Vice Chairman Deng Boqing and the Chinese Government, for the generous assistance it had provided to the Maldives. Foreign Secretary Latheef also agreed to work closely together to address shared interests, in further enhancing the close relations between the two countries.

Vice Chaiman Deng Boqing is presently undertaking an official visit to the Maldives from 31 March to 3 April 2023.

The Vice Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), His Excellency Deng Boqing paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Abdulla Shahid, Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin, today.

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning, the Minister thanked the Vice-Chairman and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their valuable contributions towards the socio-economic development of the Maldives. He mentioned that China continues to be a major investor in the Maldivian economy, through the various projects that are ongoing in the country, and also as a source market for inbound tourism.

The Vice-Chairman briefed the Minister about the ongoing projects and future avenues of cooperation, especially through China’s Global Development Initiative (GDI). He outlined that the signing of the agreements today between the two sides, signifies the close friendship and cooperation, and expressed his hope that the Maldives will seek future development opportunities through the GDI.

The Minister emphasised the importance of commencing new projects by CIDCA in the Maldives, especially the construction of four new hospitals in Ha. Dhidhoo, Dh. Kudahuvadhoo, Ga. Villingili and R. Alifushi. He also thanked the Vice-Chairman for positively considering the projects relating to the renovation of the Maldives National Museum and the maintenance of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, for which Letters of Exchange will be signed today.

The Minister underlined that the bilateral relationship between Maldives and China will continue to strengthen in the years ahead, and thanked China for its unwavering support to the Maldives in achieving its developmental objectives.

The Vice-Chairman of CIDCA is on an official visit to the Maldives from 31 March to 3 April 2023.

The Fourth Joint Meeting Mechanism to deal with the issue of safety of Chinese Tourists in the Maldives was held at the Manhattan Business Hotel today. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Khaleel and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Maldives, H.E. Ms. Wang Lixin co-chaired the Joint Meeting. Minister of State for Tourism, H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Rasheed Aboobakuru also attended the meeting.

As a follow-up on the Memorandum of Understanding concluded between the two Governments during the visit of His Excellency President Xi Jinping to the Maldives in September 2014, the Joint Meeting was held to discuss on the issue of safety of Chinese tourists in the Maldives.

In his opening remarks, State Minister Khaleel highlighted the commitment of the Government of Maldives to focus on making improvements to and maintaining a safe environment for all tourists, including Chinese visitors. He also noted the importance of such a platform to identify the challenges faced by Chinese tourists, and emphasised on the need to further strengthen communication and coordination between stakeholders regarding the safety of Chinese tourists in Maldives. State Minister further noted the positive results of closer coordination between the Maldives and China.

The Ambassador thanked the Government of Maldives for the coordination and cooperation extended in ensuring a safe environment to the Chinese tourists in the Maldives. Ambassador assured that this mechanism will strengthen the joint efforts by the Maldives and China in securing a safe environment to the Chinese tourists in Maldives.

The Joint Meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy of China in Maldives, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, Maldives Immigration, Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Police Service, MNDF, Maldives Airports Company Ltd. MATI and other key stakeholders.