Her Excellency Wang Lixin
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Maldives,
Vice President Faisal Naseem,
President Doctor Mohamed Waheed Hassan,
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Cabinet Colleagues,
Honourable Members of the People’s Majlis,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
And Good Afternoon.
It is an honour for me to be part of this joyous occasion, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Maldives and China, and the 73rd Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Maldives, I wish to extend warm greetings and sincere good wishes, to His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, the Government, and the friendly people of China.
Let me also take this opportunity to extend best wishes to President Xi and the Chinese Communist Party, for a successful 20th National Congress, which concluded this morning in Beijing. I hope that the outcomes of this congress will pave the way for continued progress for the people of China.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Five decades ago in 1972, Maldives and China made a historic pledge to work together to enhance our cooperation in multiple spheres, based on our mutual respect for each other, and for the benefit of our peoples. The bonds of friendship between our two countries are based on our mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs, our desire to cooperate closely towards our shared interests in social and economic development, and on the Maldives’ firm commitment to the One-China Principle.
I had the pleasure of speaking with President Xi over the phone on the occasion of the Communist Party of China’s centenary last year, and discussed with him about overcoming socioeconomic difficulties of Covid-19, and on working together to expand cooperation on all common fronts between Maldives and China. And earlier this year, His Excellency Wang Yi, State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs conducted an official visit, which resulted in the signing of a number of key agreements between the two countries.
China has been an important development partner to the Maldives and our partnership has played a key role in our development journey thus far. It was with Chinese aid that the first social housing project in Male’, Sinamale’ flats, was completed more than 30 years ago. Since then, we have seen this partnership flourish significantly. From the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, to the 7000 housing units of “Hiyaa” project in Hulhumale’, and the expansion of the Velana International Airport, China has walked with us hand in hand along our development journey. China’s generosity is visible in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, which underwent significant renovations last year again with Chinese assistance. And with China’s assistance, the ongoing micro-grid seawater desalination projects in selected islands across the country will be a step forward to find sustainable solutions to clean water shortages. Our joint initiatives have over the years brought substantial economic and social transformations for Maldivian people. This is a partnership Maldives values and cherishes, and it demonstrates the strong bonds of friendship between our two peoples.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Building on our proud milestone of achieving 50 years of diplomatic ties, I am confident that our countries can work together to carry forward our development partnership to new heights in the next 50 years and more.
Long live Maldives-China friendship!
Thank you.