President Mohamed Muizzu has met with Bater, the Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), to discuss the ongoing relationship and future cooperation between the Maldives and China. The meeting, held at the President’s Office on Thursday, is part of a continued series of high-level exchanges aimed at strengthening the diplomatic and developmental ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, President Muizzu reflected on his visit to China earlier this year, which underscored the growing partnership between the two countries, according to the President’s Office. He specifically cited the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge as a key developmental initiative, symbolising the robust cooperation and friendship between the Maldives and China. President Muizzu also expressed his anticipation for further strengthening these friendly relations.
Bater, speaking at the meeting, underscored the long-standing relationship between the two countries, reiterating the Chinese government’s respect for the Maldives’ sovereignty and its commitment to promoting mutual respect and cooperation, the President’s Office said. He recalled significant visits that have contributed to advancing bilateral relations, including Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to the Maldives in 2014 and President Muizzu’s recent visit to China, which have played pivotal roles in enhancing cooperation.
The meeting concluded with President Muizzu and Vice Chairman Bater expressing their eagerness to work closely on future collaborations, signalling a mutual interest in deepening the bilateral relationship.
Bater’s engagements in the Maldives also included a meeting with MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the Speaker of the Maldives Parliament. The meeting, described as productive by Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin, focused on further strengthening friendly exchanges and cooperation in various fields
While not directly involved in the policymaking process, the CPPCC serves an essential advisory role in China, providing recommendations on major political and social issues. Bater’s visit is part of a broader pattern of heightened diplomatic exchanges since President Muizzu took office in November 2023, with the Muizzu administration demonstrating a keen interest in strengthening relations with Beijing. This interest was further solidified by signing several key bilateral agreements during President Muizzu’s visit to China, marking a new chapter in the Maldives-China relationship.