President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that the Maldives is willing to always be China's closest partner.
According to the Chinese government's state council website, Muizzu made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday.
The meeting was held at the President's Office during Wang's stopover in the Maldives on his way back from Africa.
Muizzu recalled his successful state visit to China last year and said the two countries have always treated each other with understanding and sincerity.
He also said the two sides have maintained close high-level exchanges and achieved fruitful cooperation. He also noted that China has become the largest source of tourists for the Maldives.
Muizzu further said the Maldives appreciates China's leadership in safeguarding world peace and stability and is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in international and regional affairs.
Meanwhile, Wang described Muizzu as a good friend and trustworthy partner of China and thanked the President for working to strengthen bilateral relations.
His visit came amid recent visits to India by Maldives Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon.
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.
