President of China, Xi Jinping has described the collaboration between China and the Maldives as a wonderful, model partnership that could happen between a large and small nation. The Chinese President made the remark at the official talks held between Maldives and China, as part of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's current state visit to the country. The official talks between Maldives and China led by President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and President Xi Jinping respectively, took place at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.
During the high level discussions, President Yameen acknowledged the longstanding bilateral relationship between the Maldives and China, and expressed his keen interest to further reinforce the friendly ties between the two countries. In this regard, President Yameen counted China amongst the closest friends of Maldives, and most trusted and most dependable development partners. President Yameen also congratulated the President Xi Jinping, on reaching the milestone of 45th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and China.
In his remarks, President Yameen highlighted the countless contributions China has made towards the socio-economic and infrastructure development of the Maldives, and expressed his gratitude to the President, Government, and the people of China.
President Yameen and President Xi Jinping also discussed avenues of further collaboration between the two countries, especially in the areas of housing development, establishment of integrated waste management systems, green technology, maritime cooperation, health cooperation, financial assistance, and anti-terrorism endeavours. President Yameen underscored that the Maldivian youth population was at the center of his socio-economic development agenda, and highlighted the high number of projects planned in this area.
In his remarks, President Yameen reiterated the great importance attached by this administration, to its relations with China. In this regard, the President reassured that the Maldives would continue to work with China in the international arena and multilateral forums.
A high-level delegation including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim, Minister of Economic Development, Mohamed Saeed, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Ambassador of Maldives to China, Mohamed Faisal accompanied the President at the official talks.
Following the official talks between Maldives and China, 12 key agreements in the areas of trade, professional and socioeconomic development, and technological and other collaborations were signed between the two countries.