Continuity of China-Maldives relations most beneficial to the country: President Waheed

The former president, President Dr. Mohamed Waheed Hassan stated that maintaining the relationship between China and the Maldives is the most beneficial developmental strategy for the country.

The Chinese government extended invitation to the Governemnt of Maldives to attend The China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation under the theme of "Shared Development: Theory and Practice from the Perspective of the Blue Economy", in Kunming, Yunnan Province on November 21-22. However, the Maldivian Government officials did not take the opportunity to participate in it.

Dr. Waheed participated, independently, in the forum as a renowned scholar who shared his insights on the important initiatives taken by the Chinese government, in a video message.

While the government received backlash over their decision to forgo participation in the forum, Dr. Waheed’s office issued a press release highlighting the former president as a public figure who would always work to represent, advocate and defend the Maldivian people.

The Office of the former president stated that maintaining a close relationship of diplomacy between all the countries, including China, would be most beneficial to the development of the nation. The statement asserted thatMaldives appreciates and was grateful for the unwavering support and assistance offered by the Chinese government.

While even the Embassy for China in the Maldives has expressed concern over Maldives’ absence from the forum, TMJ learned through reliable sources that the Maldives refrained from attending the forum on the directive of the Indian government,