China pledges to provide Maldives with MVR 1.3 billion in aid

Maldives and China signed a development cooperation agreement on Thursday, through which the latter pledged to prove Male’ with around MVR 1.3 billion in assistance over the coming years.

The agreement was signed on Thursday morning between Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel and Chinese Ambassador Kong Xianhua.

According to a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, China has pledged to provide an assistance package of RMB 600 million to support the Maldives’ key developmental priorities over the coming years.

This is equivalent to around MVR 1.3 billion.

At the signing ceremony, Khaleel said that the agreement reflects the close friendship and strong cooperation between the Maldives and China.

He said that Chinese assistance has played a transformative role in the Maldives’ development over the past decades.

He cited major contributions by China such as housing developments in Hulhumale’, support to the health sector, increased tourism arrivals, and the iconic Sinamale’ Bridge.

According to Khaleel, the assistance under the new agreement will focus on three priority projects; the development of the China–Maldives Friendship Hospital in Villimale’, the Male’ and Villimale’ road development project, and the construction of 50 council buildings across the Maldives.

Speaking further, Khaleel conveyed his sincere appreciation to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the government and people of China for their continued assistance and cooperation towards the development and prosperity of the Maldives.

He reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to working closely with China to build a China–Maldives joint community with a shared future.

In his remarks, Kong reiterated China’s continued support for the Maldives’ development efforts and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through the effective implementation of mutually agreed projects, for the shared prosperity of both nations.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Finance Ministry, the Foreign Ministry, the Chinese embassy, and other state and government officials.