'China is among the most important bilateral partners of the Maldives’, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

The President stated this in his message of felicitations to the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, Li Keqiang on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and China.

In his message to the Premier of China, President Solih stated that historical ties, sovereign equality, and respect for each other's territorial integrity serve as a solid foundation for Maldives-China relations. The President noted that this has paved the way for the two nations' stable ties over the past 50 years.

The President went on to note China’s continued support and assistance to the Maldives in reaching new milestones in economic as well as social development, and stated that China is among the Maldives’ most important bilateral partners.

President Solih also said that he believes that the Maldives and China could realize the full potential of bilateral partnership and friendship in the years ahead by working closely together.

President Solih on Friday, sent greetings and well wishes to the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping as well.

In his message to President Xi Jinping, the Maldivian President stated that the Maldives and China have a long history of friendship and cooperation. He noted that China has made enormous contributions to the social, cultural, and economic development of the Maldives, over the last two decades.

President Solih also highlighted the signing of five agreements between the Maldives and China earlier this year and expressed confidence that the new momentum generated by these agreements would pave the way for future bilateral cooperation.

Furthermore, President Solih stated that the Maldives-China relationship is built on a solid foundation of shared historic bonds, sovereign equality, and mutual respect. He stated that he was confident that the long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation would continue to grow.

In a previous message to the President of China, President Solih conveyed his confidence that Maldives-China ties that have withstood the test of time, would continue to be strong and stable. 

The Maldives and China established diplomatic relations in 1972.