Maldives top diplomat meets China banks on economic recovery aid

Maldives foreign minister Moosa Zameer on Tuesday held discussions with senior officials from banks in China about the country's assistance in the Maldives' economic recovery efforts.

In a series of posts on X, Zameer said he met with the Chairman of China EXIM bank Wu Fulin in Beijing.

"Briefed him on the latest fiscal and economic updates and also on the reform programme announced by President Dr [Mohamed] MMuizzu. Discussion was focused on financing key development projects and potential future collaborations," a post read.

In another post, Zameer said he met with Jin Liqun, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

"Greatly appreciate AIIB's support over the years in promoting and protecting our interests through deeper partnerships and innovation, notably the Greater Male' Waste-to-Energy Project," the post read.

"We also discussed potential funding avenues for President Dr Muizzu’s ambitious development agenda, especially for infrastructure investments in connectivity projects and renewable energy. Looking forward for more collaboration on key development projects."

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.