Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid is set to embark on his first visit to China this month.

The official visit comes upon the invitation from State Councillor and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi.

Shahid’s first visit to China since assuming office, will be from 19 to 20 September.

The Maldives minister is set to pay a courtesy call on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan alongside holding bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Yi.

Both ministers are scheduled to review the scale of bilateral relations that have long existed between both countries as discuss ways to further strengthen the historic ties that Maldives and China have enjoyed over many years.

The ministry revealed that China is an “important” development partner of Maldives and the government has reiterated its “firm and unwavering commitment” to uphold the long-standing “One Chine Policy” and appreciate its support as a partner in the Belt and Road Initiative.