China’s Ambassador to Maldives Wang Lixin has reaffirmed that the Chinese government’s US$130 million grant aid can go towards any project the Maldives government designates.
Responding to a question at a press conference held on Wednesday regarding President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent visit to China on President Xi Jinping’s invitation, Ambassador Wang stated that the equivalent of US$130 million in grant aid would be used for projects to be implemented by the Maldives’ government.
“The money was given to implement projects. The project or projects will be determined by the Maldivian Government,” Wang said adding that President Muizzu’s schedule during the visit did not allow for discussions on how the aid would be specifically utilised.
“So we are in talks with the Maldivian Government in order to go into the details of how the project will be carried out, and Chinese companies have expressed interest in engaging in such projects,” Wang said.
Wang said the two governments will work hard towards implementing the 20 agreements signed, explaining that teams from China’s relevant agencies will visit the Maldives soon to initiate discussions.
Upon completing his visit to China, President Muizzu said the bulk of the grant aid would go to Malé’s road infrastructure.
