Maldives asks China for economic recovery aid
The meeting by foreign ministers of Maldives and China concluded with both parties reiterating their commitment to exploring new avenues for cooperation.
Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer on Monday held extensive discussions with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing where they talked about China's assistance in the Maldives' economic recovery efforts.
In a statement, the Maldivian foreign ministry said Wang Yi welcomed Zameer and reaffirmed China's commitment to enhancing the friendly relations that have spanned over 50 years. Zameer conveyed greetings from President Mohamed Muizzu and delivered letters addressed to Chinese President Xi Jinping, it added.
According to the ministry, Zameer reiterated the Maldives' adherence to the One-China Principle and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership established during President Muizzu's state visit to China earlier this year. He expressed gratitude for China's substantial support through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), highlighting transformative projects such as the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge and the expansion of Velana International Airport, it said.
"Minister Zameer also briefed the Chinese foreign minister on the economic and fiscal situation in the Maldives, emphasising the importance of carrying out diligently, the fiscal reforms as announced by President Dr Muizzu. He further requested China’s support to the Maldives in carrying out the reform programme, which will foster consumer and investor confidence in the Maldivian economy which would then positively impact our economic resilience," the statement read.
"The meeting concluded with both parties reiterating their commitment to exploring new avenues for cooperation. Minister Zameer expressed heartfelt appreciation for China’s continued support and looked forward to further solidifying the political and economic cooperation between the Maldives and China."
Zameer was accompanied by key officials, including the finance minister Dr Mohamed Shafeeq and infrastructure minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who took the oath of office in November, is yet to make a state visit to India, but made his first state visit to China in January.
Since the arrival of Muizzu's government, relations between Maldives and India have been tense.
Critical of Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s promotional video of Lakshadweep, three Maldivian deputy ministers criticised India and Modi on social media, following which there was a lot of back and forth taunts flung between the two nations.
