Maldives, China concludes DG-level bilateral talks

Maldives has concluded the Director-General level bilateral talks with China on Thursday, after assuring keen interest to continue dialogue with the southeastern nation.

The bilateral consultations was held at the level of Director General, virtually on Thursday and revolved around enhancing cooperation between both countries on mutual areas of interest as well as on topics relating to the prevention of the spread of the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic and economic recovery from the pandemic.

The consultation also focused on resuming tourism and international travel between Maldives and China.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the outcome of the bilateral talks was “forward-looking” and “positive”. Discussions revolved around several issues that pose importance to both countries.

The Maldives delegation was led by Amin Javed Faizal, the Additional Secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Chinese delegation was led by the Deputy Director General at the Asian Affairs Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Chen Song.

During the talks, Faizal reiterated the government’s “unwavering and firm” commitment to the one-China policy and expressed the government’s appreciation towards the government and enterprises of the southeastern nation.

Further, he expressed gratitude for the assistance and generosity extended to the Maldivian government amid the ongoing pandemic.

Highlighting that China remains one of the most important development partners of Maldives, Faizal expressed hope that trade and connectivity as well as flights between Maldives and China will resume “at the earliest”.

Leader of the delegation from China noted that both Maldives and China enjoy close ties and coordination at the international level, currently.

He added that China seeks to expand the existing ties and take the bilateral relationship, to newer heights.

Song went on to note that the Chinese government appreciated the support extended from Maldives at the international level, and that the southeastern country considers Maldives as “an important partner”.

During the consultation, both countries agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation as well as strengthening existing ties especially in the fields of climate change, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and regarding the enhancement of economic and financial cooperation.

With this being said, the Maldives delegation had expressed “keen interest” to continue dialogue with China at the level of foreign ministers.

Maldives and China regularly hold bilateral consultations, with the most recent one having taken place in July this year, also at the level of Director-General. Ambassador of Maldives to China, Aishath Azeema, Additional Secretary at the Ministry Aishath Leesha, and Assistant Director at the Ministry, Maryam Bassama Farooq, also took part in the meeting.