President Mohamed Muizzu and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed infrastructure projects and ways to strengthen economic cooperation during a meeting on Friday, the President’s Office said.
President Muizzu welcomed Wang to the Maldives and “expressed gratitude for the close friendship between the Maldives and China and the generous support from China towards the Maldives’ development goals over the years,” the statement said.
Muizzu highlighted his state visit to China in January 2024 as a “highly fruitful engagement” that elevated bilateral cooperation. He emphasised the need to “expedite key infrastructure development projects under the concluded agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs),” the statement added, stressing social housing and road development as priority areas for the Maldives.
The President also sought China’s support in economic diversification, focusing on agriculture and fisheries, described as “critical areas” for his administration.
Wang commended Muizzu’s development vision and described him as a “good friend and trustworthy partner of China.” He reaffirmed China’s support for Maldives’ sustainable development and said Beijing would help “facilitate the acceleration of the implementation of development projects in the pipeline,” according to the statement.
Wang also acknowledged the Maldives’ commitment to the One-China Principle, calling the bilateral ties a model for “how nations, regardless of size, can collaborate effectively for mutual progress and prosperity.”
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the China-Maldives Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and strengthening cooperation on multilateral platforms, the President’s Office said.