China pledges 50 million Yuan for the implementation of developmental projects and advancement of public services

At a courtesy call on President Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, His Excellency Yu Hongyao communicated that the Chinese’ government desire to provide 50 million Yuan in grant aid to the Government of Maldives for the implementation of developmental projects and the advancement of public services. The meeting was held this morning at the President’s Office.

At the meeting, President Yameen expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for the generous assistance. Highlighting that this year marks the 41st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Maldives, President Yameen thanked the Chinese government for its sincere efforts to enhance friendly ties with the Maldives.

Underscoring the need to promote people-to-people ties between the two countries, the President pointed out that facilitation of travel visas would be equally beneficial to both countries.

Highlighting that the Maldives had, for the first time in its history, reached the milestone of one million tourist arrivals in a calendar year, President noted with satisfaction that China had attained the distinction as the top tourist market for the Maldives in arrival numbers. He also expressed hope that the number of tourist arrivals from China would further increase in the future.

Noting the Governments’ commitment to gearing the Foreign Service to facilitate closer diplomatic interactions with countries whom the Maldives enjoy special relations, the President announced that country specific bureaus would be introduced at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The President said that economic transformation and youth empowerment featured at the tops of his administrations’ agenda, and that the implementation of immediate social sector reforms would be the immediate term priority. In this regard, the President discussed with the Chinese Ambassador on the possibility of sending a Maldivian cooperate and business delegation to China.

At the meeting, Ambassador Yu congratulated President Yameen on behalf of the Government and people of China, on his election as the President of the Maldives.

President Yameen was joined at the call by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Dunya Maumoon, Minister at the President’s Office, Hon. Mohamed Hussain Shareef and Mr. Hassan Shifau, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ambassador Yu was joined at the call by Counsellor, Mr. Liu Qiang and senior officials at Embassy of China in the Maldives.