Malé, Maldives – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Friday, has contacted the Chinese President Xi Jinping via phone and said that he looks forward to reinvigorating relations between the two countries.
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih tweeted saying that he looks forward to reinvigorate Maldives-Sino relations following his phone call with President Xi. President Solih in his call, thanked the Chinese President for their support to the Maldivian development and also discussed ways to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.
While President Solih conversed with the Chinese President today, Maldives has not maintained a close relationship with the country since the new administration came into power. President Xi had not yet visited Maldives or met President Solih since the current ruling coalition took office.
However, maintaining a close relationship with China was prioritised during the administration of Former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayyoom. Chinese companies actively took part in several development projects including the Sinamalé bridge between Malé and Hulhumalé.
The previous administration was highly criticised by then opposition MDP, for the constant involvement of China and that large number of loans taken. MDP continues to criticize these things today as well. More notably, Speaker Nasheed criticises China while prainsing the Indian Government.
The current government has focused more in maintaining relations with India, which has led to controversy among citizens and campaigns such a “India Out”. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih recently conversed with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well.
