Wang Yi, the State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China has arrived in the Maldives on an official visit.

The visit comes upon the invitation of Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid.

Minister Yi arrived at the Velana International Airport on Friday evening and was received by FM Shahid and other high-level officials of the foreign ministry.

The visit is part of efforts by both countries to solidify the long-standing bilateral ties between Maldives and China, as well as to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.

The visit will see the Chinese minister paying a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and FM Shahid who will officially welcome the State Councilor on Saturday afternoon. He will be holding official talks with the latter.

FM Shahid and Minister Yi will also observe the signing of numerous key agreements on important areas such as infrastructure development, health, and travel.

This will be followed by a joint statement by FM Shahid and Minister Yi.

Maldives accords China as one of the most important development partners. China continues to contribute to the socio-economic development of Maldives, in several areas of significance.