Maldives "immensely privileged" to have China's support in Covid-19 response efforts: foreign minister

A charted flight carrying medical equipment from China arrived in the Maldives on Saturday evening.

Ambassador Zhang Lizhong had earlier on Saturday announced that the flight was on its way.

Noting that a chartered flight with a second batch of medical equipment donated by China has arrived, the ambassador highlighted that this was done “with joint efforts and much coordination”.

He added that “more assistance will come” and that both countries will work together during this difficult time through “enhanced cooperation, solidarity and mutual assistance”.

In a statement, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said that Maldives "is immensely privileged to have the support and generosity of friends, such as the Government and the people of China".

Noting that President Xi, and State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi "understand the needs of the Maldives in overcoming both the humanitarian and the economic challenges of Covid-19", the minister thanked them for their support to the Maldives "in this difficult time".

Also thanking Ambassador Lizhong, Shahid expressed gratitude for him and the staff at the embassy "for working extremely hard to charter the flight for transporting the equipment and materials to the Maldives".

The foreign ministry said that the donations that arrived on Saturday "are from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Chinese Companies and well-wishers, which include Alibaba Foundation/ Jack Ma Foundation, China Merchants Port Group Co.Ltd, China Machinery Engineering Corporation, Beijing Urban Construction Investment & Development Co. Ltd, Dongfang Electric International Corporation, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, China Communications 2nd Navigational Bureau 2nd Engineering Co. Ltd and Huawei Technologies Co.Ltd".

These donations include disposable protective masks, N95 protective masks, KN95 protective masks, infrared thermometers, goggles, medical protective suits, care beds, testing kits, ventilators, sampling sticks, and detection reagent extractant.

Further noting that the government and people of China have "always extended solidarity and extraordinary support to the Maldives in overcoming unprecedented challenges", the foreign minister stated that Maldives is "extremely grateful that China is with us, as we ride through the storm".