Foreign Ministry says the Government of Maldives and the Government of the People’s Republic of China are set to hold its 7th Round of Bilateral Consultations on 26 January 2021.
It said that Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel will represent the Maldives in the talks while Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Lou Zhaohui will represent the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
It noted that the bilateral consultations will aim to enhance cooperation between the two countries on mutual areas of interest, such as in combating the COVID-19 global pandemic, on economic cooperation, and also on multilateral issues.
Foreign Ministry highlighted that the two countries will also discuss economic recovery in a post-Covid world, and on the resumption of trade and tourism between Maldives and China at the earliest possible opportunity.
It said that the Maldives is keen on continuing its dialogue with its developmental partners, such as China, as the country embarks on a path of resilience and recovery post-Covid pandemic.
It is especially interested in further strengthening the development cooperation between Maldives and China and will discuss future projects and new areas of cooperation for the year 2021.
Bilateral consultations have proved to be an excellent avenue for both countries to take stock of their partnership and to find ways to strengthen existing areas of cooperation.
Foreign Ministry noted that the last bilateral consultation between Maldives and China was held in 2017 in the Maldives.
It added that due to the ongoing pandemic and travel restrictions, this round of consultations will take place virtually between the two sides.
