Chinese president to send special envoy for Muizzu’s inauguration

Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin is scheduled to visit the Maldives this week, to attend the inauguration of Maldives President-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, as a Special Envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Muizzu is set to take office in a ceremony at the Republic Square in Male’ City on Friday.

In a statement on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that Shen will be attending the inauguration as a Special Envoy of the Chinese President.

According to the Foreign Ministry, she will visit the Maldives from Wednesday to Saturday.

After her visit to Maldives, she will travel to Sri Lanka, where she will stay until November 21.

Muizzu, who built his presidential campaign on the promise of expelling Indian military personnel from the Maldives, has been described in international media as a “pro-China” politician. He has dismissed the claims, portraying himself as “pro-Maldives” instead.

He has stated that his administration will foster close relations with all countries that respect Maldives’ independence and sovereignty.