Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu completed his high-profile state visit to China and noted that the two countries respect each other with Beijing fully supporting them, especially in the Indian Ocean island’s sovereignty.
His statement comes against the backdrop of the India- Maldives strained relationship.
He further noted that the country has assisted in the development of the Maldives since establishing diplomatic relations in 1972.
Many foreign experts claim that President Mohamed Muizzu’s trip to China comes with an aim to strengthen their ties and elevate them to a strategic partnership.
He also said that China’s Belt and Road Initiative has taken bilateral relations to a new level, reported China’s state-run CGTN channel, adding that China is a country that would not interfere with the internal affairs of the Maldives, which is why the two countries have a strong relationship, said Muizzu.
A Chinese Communist delegation held talks with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to promptly implement 20 agreements signed between the two countries during his recent visit to China, including increasing flights from China to boost tourist numbers to the archipelago nation.
The delegation, led by Sun Haiyan, the deputy head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), concluded the three-day visit to Male after meeting Muizzu and several other officials. The visit coincides with the permission granted by the Maldives government for the Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 to berth at Male.
China was looking for new avenues to berth its controversial research ships frequenting the Indian Ocean on surveillance missions after Sri Lanka banned them for a year following concerns expressed by India. During the visit of the CPC delegation, the two sides agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
She expressed interest in strengthening strategic bilateral relations and offering training possibilities for Maldivians in various fields, the readout said. Muizzu,45, who is regarded as pro-China, signed 20 agreements during his recent China visit, mostly various infrastructure and housing projects.
The Chinese government has also announced a USD 130 million grant to Maldives during his visit. Muizzu has requested China to boost Chinese tourist numbers by increasing flights to Maldives. Chinese tourists figure third in numbers to Maldives after India and Russia.
(with agencies inputs)
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