Maldives fortunate to count China among close friends: Foreign minister

Maldives is fortunate to count China amongst close friends, says Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The minister said this in a message to his Chinese counterpart and State Councilor, Wang Yi, on the occasion of the 71st National Day.

Extending wishes to the government and people of China, Shahid applauded the “giant leaps” taken by the Chinese Government and the people of China towards “the betterment of humanity, and for the well-being, progress and prosperity of the rest of the world.”

The minister further said that Maldives is fortunate to count the government and people of China among its close friends, and stressed that the island nation “will continue to undertake every effort, to further strengthen and enhance its bilateral relationship which is based on historic bonds of friendship, mutual respect for territorial integrity.”

He also assured Maldives’ full commitment to the One-China Policy.

Furthermore, Minister Shahid expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by China, from the Maldivian government and people, adding that China’s support “for multilateralism, and the international bodies that govern it, stands to further solidify the international community’s collective pursuit of common interests.”