Bater, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has arrived in the Maldives on an official visit, marking a continuation of the high-level exchanges between the two nations. Upon his arrival, Bater was received at Velana International Airport (VIA) by MP Ahmed Nazim, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, alongside Wang Lixin, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives.
Bater engaged in discussions with MP Abdul Raheem Abdulla, the Speaker of the Maldives Parliament, at the Secretariat of the Parliament on Wednesday. According to Ambassador Wang Lixin, the talks were productive, focusing on “further strengthening the friendly exchanges and cooperation in various fields” between the two countries.
Following the discussions, Deputy Speaker Nazim hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting Chinese delegation.
While the government or parliament has yet to disclose Bater’s specific agenda, it is clear that the visit is part of a broader strategy to enhance diplomatic relations and cooperation. Although not directly involved in the policymaking process, the CPPCC plays a crucial advisory role in China, offering recommendations on major political and social issues.
This visit comes against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic exchanges between the Maldives and China since President Mohamed Muizzu took office in November 2023. The Muizzu administration has been keen on strengthening relations with Beijing. An official visit by President Muizzu to China earlier in January led to the signing of several key bilateral agreements, further solidifying the partnership between the two countries.
