Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Maldives today.
Adhadhu understands that Wang was making a short transit in Maldives before returning to China following a visit to several African countries.
He visited Namibia, Congo, Chad and Nigeria as part of an annual visit to Africa in his capacity as the Chinese Foreign Minister. Adhadhu understands that he arrived in the Maldives early on Friday.
Wang paid a courtesy call to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu this evening at the President's Office.
During the meeting, Muizzu extended a warm welcome to Wang and thanked the Minister for visiting the Maldives.
He expressed gratitude for the close friendship between the Maldives and China and for China's generous support towards the Maldives’ development goals.
According to the President's Office, Muizzu sought China's support in advancing the agriculture and fisheries sector for economic diversification.
He also underscored the need to prioritise social housing and road development projects, which are among the most pressing needs of the Maldivian people.
Meanwhile, Wang described Muizzu as a good friend and trustworthy partner of China and thanked the President for working to strengthen bilateral relations.
He assured the Chinese government’s support to facilitate the acceleration of the implementation of development projects.
The President's Office said Wang "highlighted the cooperation between the two countries as a testament to how nations, regardless of size, can collaborate effectively for mutual progress and prosperity."
Wang is expected to fly back to China later today.
Meanwhile, Maldives Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon recently made official visits to China's rival India.
During Ghassan's visit, India donated USD 4 million worth of military equipment to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF). Discussions were also held on the operation of two Indian helicopters and Dornier aircraft in Maldives and the renewal of the agreement to have Indian citizens stationed in Maldives to operate them.
On April 11, 2024, the Maldives government signed an agreement with a Chinese company to develop a maritime hub with a transhipment port in Laamu Gaadhoo island. Later, however, the government signed an agreement with the Indian government to implement the same projects.
The agreement with India for the development of a transhipment port in Gaadhoo was signed on October 7, 2024, during Muizzu's state visit to the country.
Additionally, on March 28, 2024, the government awarded a Chinese company to operate a major agricultural project in the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) where India is developing a military port. However, the project was later moved to Rasnale'. The government also agreed to expedite the construction of the military port.
