China’s President Xi Jinping has congratulated President-elect Mohamed Muizzu on his presidential election win. China’s Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin conveyed the Chinese president’s sentiments to the incoming president in a social media post.

“H. E. Xi Jinping, President of China sent a congratulation message to H.E. Mohamed Muizzu, President-elect of the Maldives, extending warm congratulations & good wishes to him… President Xi stresses, China-Maldives friendly exchanges date back to ancient times. 🇨🇳 [China] & 🇲🇻 [Maldives] are not only good friends of sincerity, mutual trust & mutual assistance, but also good partners for common development & prosperity,” the ambassador said.

The Chinese diplomat went on to quote President Xi as saying that President Xi attached great importance to development of China-Maldives relations and that he was ready to work with Muizzu to build on the ages old friendship and deepen practical cooperation so as to promote China-Maldives, future focused, all-round friendly and cooperative partnership with more progress.

Muizzu defeated incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih by an eight percent margin in the second round runoff of the recent presidential elections and is expected to be sworn in as President on 17 November 2023.