China-Maldives relations, a model of mutual respect: Pres. Muizzu
Muizzu reiterated that the Maldives is an independent and sovereign state
The President and First Lady concluded a state visit to China
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has corroborated that the longstanding China-Maldives relations are built upon an exemplary model of mutual respect.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Velana International Airport (VIA) upon his return to the Maldives after concluding his state visit to the People's Republic of China Saturday.
The President stated that China-Maldives relations are based upon four principles: mutual respect, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal matters.
President Dr Muizzu additionally remarked that China respects the territorial sovereignty of the Maldives just as the Maldives fully accept China's One China policy. In this regard, the President noted that despite the small size of the Maldivian islands, the Maldives occupies one of the most substantial shares of the Indian Ocean in terms of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Emphasising that no one country owns the ocean, and with this significant share, he reiterated that the Maldives is an independent and sovereign state.
The President noted that the Maldives' ties with all countries are based on the aforementioned four principles.
President Dr. Muizzu also announced that agreements to assist the Maldives in expanding agricultural growth to cater to food security were signed with the Chinese government.
The agreements were signed following the official talks between the Republic of China and the Republic of Maldives during the President's state visit to China. The two countries exchanged twenty key agreements at the signing ceremony.
Speaking on the agreements signed between the two nations, President Dr Muizzu stated that deliberations were conducted to initiate a specific agricultural scheme at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF). The President affirmed that the envisioned project would guarantee the cultivation of the most frequently utilised agricultural commodities sufficient for a minimum population of 200,000 individuals.
The President further remarked that the Government would end its dependence on one country for imported staple foods such as rice, sugar, and flour.
A delegation of senior government officials accompanied the President and the First Lady on their state visit to China from the 7th to the 13th of this month.
