Ambassador: Maldives-China relations an example to the world

Over the past 50 years of diplomatic ties between China and Maldives, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, which has set a good example of countries of different sizes treating each other as equals and seeking win-win cooperation, states the Chinese Ambassador to Maldives, Wang Lixin.

She made the remark at the Business Forum on Joint Construction of the ’Belt and Road’ between China and Maldives held at Hotel Jen in Male’ on Wednesday.

Speaking at the forum, Wang said China has always been committed to its foreign policy of upholding world peace and promoting common development, and is dedicated to promoting a human community with a shared future.

“In recent years, the two countries tided over difficulties together and offered helping hands to each other, worked together to cope with the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic unseen in a century, deepened cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiatives, opening up a new chapter for China-Maldives relations,” she said.

Wang noted China provided 200,000 doses of vaccines and a large amount of anti-epidemic materials to the Maldives.

She also spoke of the important infrastructure development projects conducted by Chinese contractors in Maldives, including the Sinamale’ Bridge, which she said has witnessed over 100 million crossings over the past four years.

“So far, the Chinese enterprises have completed more than 11,000 social housing units, and contributed a lot in improving the living conditions of the local residents in the Maldives. The newly upgraded and expanded Velana International Airport has doubled its transport capability and will greatly promote the development of Maldivian tourism,” she said.

Wang said that the close cooperation between Maldives and China has brought transformative changes to the Maldives and tangible benefits to its people.

“China and Maldives are now embarking on a shared path of hope, prosperity and happiness,” she said.