His Excellency Mr Yu Hongyao, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Maldives; Excellences; Distinguished Guests: Ladies: and, Gentlemen:

I am greatly honoured to be here at this reception held on this momentous occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and China.

I wish to extend my warm felicitations and sincere good wishes on behalf of the government and the people of the Maldives to the government and the friendly people of China.

During the past 40 years, relations between Maldives and china have grown from strength to strength. As we take note of 40 years of diplomatic relations between Maldives and the People’s Republic of China, contacts between the 2 countries go back to the Ming Dynasty of the ancient china. There is ample testimony of the length and strength of our relationship in the historic relics and records in our national museum.

We are also celebrating the dawn of a modern democracy in the Maldives. This democracy has been won by the hard work, determination and the firm commitment of the Maldivian people to the pursuit of the universal goals of freedom and human rights.

Today, relations between the Maldives and China are founded on mutual respect, shared principles and values and common understanding of issues of global importance.

Maldives has always looked to China as an invaluable friend whose contribution to the social, cultural and economic development of the Maldives is immense. Trade between the Maldives and China has increased significantly in the past few years and China remains one of the largest trading partners of the Maldives. In addition to that, China is currently the number one tourist market for the Maldives and I hope that the number of Chinese tourists, travelling to the Maldives will continue to increase.

I have no doubt that the traditional bounds of friendship and cooperation that we have enjoyed over the past 4 decades will continue to grow and expand in the years to come.

China continues to be a close partner of the Maldives s in diverse spheres. The contributions from China to the social, cultural and economic development of our country are immense. I would especially like to note the contribution that China has made to housing development in the Maldives along with other infrastructure projects. The Foreign Ministry building stands as a testament to the close relations between our two countries.
I would like to take this opportunity to express our great gratitude and appreciation to the government and the people of China, for the warm relationship between the two countries as well as the generosity and continued support for the Maldives. On behalf of the government and the people of Maldives, I reassure that the Maldives will always support the government and the people of China in every way possible.

Once again, let me convey best wishes for the continued peace, prosperity and progress of the people of China.

Thank you.