President hails Sinamale Bridge as symbol of Maldives-China ties

The Sinamale Bridge (China-Maldives Friendship Bridge) is not only a bridge connecting two islands but also a symbol of the strong ties between the Maldives and China, President Mohamed Muizzu said on Friday.

The Maldives on Friday marks the 6th anniversary of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, an iconic structure that has significantly transformed the nation’s infrastructure and strengthened diplomatic ties between the Maldives and China.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), President Muizzu highlighted the symbolic and practical importance of the bridge.

“Today, we proudly celebrate the 6th anniversary of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, inaugurated on 30th August 2018. This remarkable feat of engineering not only connects our islands but also symbolises the enduring partnership and mutual trust between our two great nations,” President Muizzu wrote.

He added that the bridge is a testament to the shared vision of progress, unity, and prosperity between the Maldives and China.

“May this bridge serve as a beacon of cooperation for generations to come,” he concluded.

The Sinamale Bridge, as it is locally known, spans 2.1 kilometres, connecting the capital city Malé with Hulhulé Island, where Velana International Airport is located. The bridge has become a crucial artery for the country, easing transportation and facilitating economic activity.

Infrastructure Minister Dr Abdulla Muththalib also took to X to commemorate the anniversary, underscoring the bridge's impact on the nation’s development.

“Today marks the 6th anniversary of the inauguration of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge (Sinamale’ Bridge), a transformative project that has profoundly impacted the lives of Maldivians and greatly enhanced the nation’s economic development,” he stated.

Muththalib emphasised that the project was made possible through the generous assistance of China Aid and hailed it as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries.

Muththalib also credited President Muizzu, who was the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure at the time, for the successful completion of the project.

“The project's ahead-of-schedule and within-budget completion is a testament to the leadership of the then Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, President HE Dr. Mohamed Muizzu,” he noted.

The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, funded by the Chinese government, was opened to the public in August 2018, following a project cost totalling USD 300 million.