A proposal for the Framework of Cooperation has been signed between Maldives and China.

The signing ceremony for the "Concept Paper for Framework of Cooperation" between the Maldives and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province of the People’s Republic of China was held on Monday evening.

The proposal was signed by Dr. Ali Naseer Mohamed, Secretary, Multilateral, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Maldivian government whereas Madam Pu Hong, Director General at China's Foreign Affairs Office signed the concept paper on behalf of the Chinese government.

Mr. Ruan Chengfa, Governor of Yunnan Province, China and Neeza Imad, Minister of State for Economic Development acted as witnesses to the signing of the concept paper at the ceremony.

The proposal seeks to elevate bilateral, economic and commercial ties between the two nations by boosting cooperation and coordination.

Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mariyam Seena in addition to the Assistant Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maryam Bassama Farooq were also in attendance at the signing ceremony.

While the proposal was signed on Monday, Governor of China's Yunnan Province called on Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid the same day.

At the meeting, the foreign minister highlighted on the close bilateral relations the Maldives and China shared, and discussed ways of further strengthening the existing ties between the two countries, especially in areas of trade, tourism, agriculture, sports and education.

Both the minister and the governor also expressed confidence that the Maldives and China will continue working together both bilaterally and internationally on issues of mutual concern, to enhance the existing ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.