Maldives denies rejecting China's assistance in fight against Covid-19, says "in discussions"
Mabrook revealed that the government is currently in communication with several countries, including China
Government\'s Covid-19 spokesperson, Mohamed Mabrook Aziz
Maldives is working with China to find lines of cooperation, says government's Covid-19 spokesperson.
Mohamed Mabrook Aziz said this in response to a question during a press conference held on Thursday night, and added that he is aware that the question is arising due to rumours that the government has rejected China's assistance.
Noting that the government is not going to reject any help, Mabrook said that they will "work closely with all countries which are building lines of cooperation with Maldives".
As such, he stressed that discussions are ongoing with China 'to find lines of cooperation' and added that the foreign ministry "assures that this communication in going on".
Mabrook noted that Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong has also confirmed this fact via Twitter.
Reports of the Maldives rejecting assistance from China emerged after the announcement of Indian government's decision to offer assistance for Maldives' efforts against Covid-19. They are to send a team of health experts, as well as donate necessary medicines.
While Mabrook stated that the government "is in close communication with several countries", he did not elaborate further on this.
In addition to denying reports that government rejected China's assistance, Ambassador Lizhong said said that he felt the sympathy and support from the people of Maldives to the Chinese people following the coronavirus outbreak, adding that this is something the southeastern nation "will reciprocate".
