China and Maldives are "good partners helping each other"

Maldives and China are “good partners helping each other”, says Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong.

The ambassador made the statement via Twitter, after receiving a letter from Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail, “acknowledging quick response and contribution” to the government of Maldives by the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC).

As such, the minister recognized the company’s response to the government’s call “for building temporary labour quarters for up to 800 workers in Hulhumalé Phase II”.

The 800-bed labour quarter in Hulhumalé Phase II, the China State Labour Quarter, was completed in just 22 days, by may 20.

The facility was constructed by the Housing Development Corporation, together with the CSCEC.

The facility has 800 beds with four prefabricated steel structures as well as one mess hall, kitchen and two toilet blocks.

The Chinese ambassador, during a recent meeting with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, revealed that Maldives is among the countries being considered by China, for debt suspension.

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 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.

The foreign minister had thanked the Chinese government for the “continued support and assistance to the Maldives at this difficult time”.

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.