China has extended USD 2.8 million in financial assistance to the Maldives to aid recovery efforts after a fire on 12 December 2024 destroyed the offices of three ministries in the capital.
The blaze engulfed the building opposite the Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu in Malé, leaving the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure in ruins. The adjacent Green Building, which housed the former Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the former Environmental Protection Agency, was also rendered unusable. In the aftermath, the displaced agencies have been forced to conduct their operations temporarily from the Dharubaaruge convention centre.
At a formal handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua presented the funds to Moosa Zameer, the Minister of Finance and Planning. The aid has been designated for the procurement of office furniture and essential equipment, enabling the ministries to resume critical functions.
Minister Zameer, in remarks at the ceremony, highlighted that the assistance would play a vital role in restoring government operations and stands as a symbol of the enduring strength of bilateral relations. He noted that recent diplomatic engagements, particularly President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s meetings with President Xi Jinping, have deepened trust between Beijing and Malé and expanded avenues of cooperation.