Maldives is among the countries being considered by China, for debt suspension.

China’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Zhang Lizhong, highlighted this during a virtual meeting with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on Monday afternoon.

Noting China’s decision to extend debt suspension to a number of developing countries, following the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative on April 15, Ambassador Zhang stated that Maldives is among the 77 countries which are being considered under this Initiative.

The G20 (or Group of Twenty) is an international forum for the governments and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union (EU) who back in April, agreed on a coordinated approach for a suspension of debt service payments for the world's poorest countries starting on May 1 until the end of the year.

The ambassador also briefed the foreign minister on the ongoing Chinese assistance to the Maldives in its Covid-19 response efforts, including the offer to set up a medical laboratory by the Chinese Company, BGI.

Shahid thanked the Chinese government for the “continued support and assistance to the Maldives at this difficult time”.

He also reiterated the Maldivian government’s firm and unwavering commitment to the ‘One China Policy’ and assured the ambassador that the country will “always respect the sovereignty, national security and territorial integrity of China”.

FM Shahid and the Chinese ambassador met in late May as well.

While Maldives owes a majority of its debts to China, it is among the countries most economically impacted due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had in March revealed that he had written to Chinese President Xi Jinping, requesting debt relief.

China has provided various support in Maldives’ Covid-19 response efforts. This includes donations of medical supplies and equipment, as well as assistance in the construction of an accommodation block for foreigners.

Appreciating the help offered by China during these trying times, Foreign Minister Shahid had said that the Maldives "is immensely privileged to have the support and generosity of friends, such as the Government and the people of China".