President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has expressed gratitude for Chinese Ambassador Zhang Lizhong’s continued support and assistance extended to Maldives during his ambassadorial tenure.

Ambassador Lizhong paid a farewell call on the president on Wednesday morning, where the pair engaged in productive discussions regarding the relationship between Maldives and China, as well as future cooperation.

Highlighting that China has been a longstanding development partner to the island nation, the president noted that the country remains a close friend and ally to the Maldives.

With this being said, President Solih also noted the generous assistance and continued support extended by Ambassador Lizhong as well as the Chinese government over the years.

Further, the president praised the government of China for the generous contribution of 200,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine and other medical equipment to assist the Maldivian government’s vaccination efforts.

The pair also touched down on the several spheres in which the governments of both countries presently cooperate such as socioeconomic development, tourism, health, trade and investments, among a multitude of other bilateral and multilateral engagements.

During the call Ambassador Lizhong expressed pleasure in having served the Chinese government as their chosen representative to the Maldives. He noted that he looks forwards to a “promising future” for the partnership between both countries. The ambassador was wished the best of luck in all his future endeavors, by the Maldivian president.

Following the conclusion of his ambassadorial tenure, Lizhong also paid farewell calls on several government officials including the Former President and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon as well as the founder of the China Maldivian Cultural Association.

During his call on the speaker, the pair discussed mutual support during challenging times and expressed intention to boost exchanges between the parliament and NPC, as well as cooperate on issues of mutual interests.

Further, Minister Yumna wished the Chinese Ambassador the best in his future endeavors, expressing commitment to continue working with China on cultural cooperation and exchange programmes. During the call with Minister Yumna, Lizhong expressed gratitude for the support to the cultural exchanges for the welfare of the people of both countries.

Maldives and China will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries during 2022.