China will work with Maldives to enhance political trust and practical corporation: Ambassador Wang Lixin

Ambassador of China to the Republic of Maldives, Wang Lixin stated that China looks forward to working with the Maldives to enhance political trust and mutually promote and strengthen the practical cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking at the reception held at Dharubaaruge to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between China and Maldives, Lixin stated that the month of October ushered in a stream of auspicious occasions with the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and October 14 marking the diplomatic relations between China and Maldives.

Lixin remarked that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) had successfully convened this week and China was happy to celebrate such occasions of “special historic significance”, together.

Lixin stated that over the last 73 years, under the leadership of CPC China had achieved rapid economic development with a people-centered philosophy and won the biggest battle against poverty in human history. She said that in addition to eradicating poverty, China made an important contribution to the cause of global poverty alleviation as well. Lixin noted that China has adhered to the foreign policy of maintaining world peace and promoting common development for a shared future.

Lixin highlighted that while President Xi Jinping and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih exchanged congratulatory messages with each other on October 14, the two heads of state spoke of the development of their bilateral relationship and set a clear direction for its future development.

Lixin stated that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Maldives relations have maintained a good momentum of steady development over the years. She said that the Maldivian government has been firmly committed to the one-China principle and China has strongly supported the Maldives in its rapid economic and social development while encouraging its self-development capability.

Referring to the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, Lixin said that it was a symbol of the profound friendship between China and Maldives, which has witnessed over 100 million crossings by the local people over the past 4 years. Lixin also noted that Chinese companies have completed more than 11,000 social housing units for Maldivian residents to improve their living conditions.

Furthermore, Lixin said that the newly upgraded and expanded Velana International Airport has doubled its previous capacity and will greatly promote the development of Maldivian tourism.

“Looking into the future, China and the Maldives should continue with the past and open up the future to write a new chapter for our bilateral relations with a more far-reaching eyesight and broader vision. China is ready to work with the Maldives in further enhancing political trust, strengthening practical cooperation, expanding people-to-people and cultural exchanges as well as deepening traditional friendship so as to promote our future-oriented all-round friendly and cooperative partnership to a new level!”, Lixin remarked.

Lixin concluded the address by thanking all allies who had long supported China-Maldives relations. She wished for prosperity of the two countries and enjoyment of an everlasting friendship.

Addressing the attendees of the reception, President Solih congratulated President Xi Jinping, the government, and the people of China on the diplomatic milestone.

President Solih stated that China continues to be an important development partner for the Maldives and that the China-Maldives partnership has been key to the Maldives’ developmental journey.

"This is a partnership Maldives values and cherishes, and it demonstrates the strong bonds of friendship between our two peoples," he said.

The President expressed his confidence that the two nations could work together to advance the socio-economic development partnership over the coming years and beyond.

The Vice President Faisal Naseem, former President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, cabinet ministers, members of the People’s Majlis, and senior officials of the government attended the reception.