Malé, Maldives – President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday conveyed greetings and well wishes to President Xi Jinping and Premier of the State Council of China, Li Keqiang, on the occasion of the 73rd National Day of the People’s Republic of China.
In his message to President Xi Jinping, President Solih expressed hope that this festive occasion will bring the Chinese people together with renewed commitments to further develop and advance the country. The President also conveyed his confidence in the Maldives-China ties that have withstood the test of time and continue to be strong and stable.
In a separate message to Premier Li Keqiang, expressed hope to continue working with the Chinese government to enhance the amicable ties between the two countries in every area of common interest.
China has been a long-standing valuable support to the Maldives in various fields such as infrastructure, education, and energy. The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge built with China’s assistance has brought enormous changes to the country and greatly accelerated the economic development process of the Maldive.
Although China has been sidelined after an India-First policy since President Solih’s administration took office, government stresses the one-China principle is a firm consensus of the Maldivian government which the Maldives will consistently and firmly adhere.
China has also announced that with the improving Covid-19 situation in China direct flights for tourists and other visitors can be resumed by next month. According to local media sources, three Chinese airlines have already booked slots from Velana International Airport.
China remained one of the key source markets to Maldives for the past ten years. A total of 284,029 tourist arrivals were recorded from China to Maldives in 2019. Prior to closing of borders for China Market due to pandemic, a total of a total of 31,744 tourist arrivals were recorded in January from this market which was a 23% growth compared to the same period of the previous year.
In a recent interview given to a local media by Ambassador Wang Lixin told that both countries should deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in full scale so as to benefit the people of the two countries and that both countries should continue to push forward Belt & Road cooperation, speed up major projects and tourist cooperation. She also told that she hopes the Maldivian government would finish the ratification of China-Maldives FTA as early as possible in order to boost the post Covid-19 recovery of the Maldivian economy.
The National Day of China commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
