The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China today concluded bilateral consultations at the level of Director-General.
At the virtual meeting held this afternoon, the bilateral consultations focused on enhancing cooperation between the two countries on mutual areas of interest, and on topics relating to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 global pandemic, economic recovery, and resumption of tourism and international travel between Maldives and China.
Additional Secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amin Javed Faizal led the Maldives Delegation.
The Chinese Delegation was led by Chen Song, Deputy Director General at the Asian Affairs Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
In his opening remarks, Javed Faizal reiterated and reaffirmed the Government of Maldives’ unwavering and firm commitment to the One-China Policy.
He further expressed the Maldives’ appreciation to the Chinese Government and Chinese enterprises, for the assistance and generosity they had extended to the Maldives during the ongoing pandemic.
He mentioned that China remains one of the most important development partners of the Maldives, and expressed hope that flights, trade, and connectivity between the two countries would be restored at the earliest possible.
Chen Song noted that both countries presently enjoy close relations and coordination at the international level and that China further seeks to expand the existing ties and to strengthen the bilateral relationship.
He said that China appreciates the support it has received from the Maldives at the international level and considers the Maldives to be an important partner.
Both countries agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation and to expand on existing ties, including, in the field of climate change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and economic and financial cooperation.
Maldives expressed its keen interest to continue its dialogue with China at the level of foreign ministers. The nature of the consultations was positive and forward-looking, with discussions having taken place on a myriad of issues important to both countries.
Maldives and China regularly hold bilateral consultations, with the most recent one having taken place in July this year, also at the level of Director-General. Ambassador of Maldives to China Aishath Azeema, Additional Secretary at the Ministry Aishath Leesha, and Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Maryam Bassama Farooq also participated in the meeting.
