Maldives and China: Mohamed Muizzu said he was honored to pay his first state visit to China and become the country’s first foreign head of state this year.
Following in-depth talks with his Maldivian counterpart Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed 20 “key” agreements, including one on tourism cooperation, and announced the elevation of their Bilateral connections have evolved into a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Muizzu said he was honored to pay his first state visit to China and become the country’s first foreign head of state this year, demonstrating the importance both sides place on the development of bilateral relations.
Maldives and China ink 20 agreements amidst a diplomatic dispute with India.
Xi emphasized that China respects and supports the Maldives in pursuing a development path that is appropriate for its unique circumstances. According to the official Xinhua news agency, China also strongly supports the Maldives in preserving its national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national dignity. According to the statement, Xi and Muizzu announced the expansion of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. 20 key agreements were signed today between the Government of the Maldives and the Government of China this afternoon, and both Presidents witnessed the signing ceremony, the Maldivian President’s office stated on X.
Tourism cooperation, disaster risk reduction, blue economy, and increased investment in the digital economy were among the agreements signed. China will also contribute grant aid to the Maldives, though the amount has not been specified. The agreements also included a combined acceleration of the formulation of the Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation Plan, a social housing project on Fushidhiggaru Falhu, fishery products processing facilities, and the redevelopment of Male’ and Villimale’ Roads Development Projects. Muizzu and his wife Sajida Mohammad were greeted with a red carpet ceremony in the Great Hall of People. Following that, President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan gave a state banquet in their honor.
Ratnavali