Upon the conclusion of his ambassadorial tenure, Ambassador of China to the Maldives Zhang Lizhong has departed Maldives.

Prior to his departure after three years and seven months of service as the Chinese Ambassador to Maldives, Lizhong called on a number of government officials as well as the opposition leaders.

During the most recent farewell call on Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, the minister conveyed sincere gratitude and appreciation for his immense efforts to strengthen the bilateral ties between Maldives and China during his ambassadorial tenure.

Lizhong also extended generous support to the Maldives, especially during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Expressing his sentiments, Lizhong assured that he remains committed to continue working closely with the Maldivian government in all aspects of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Lizhong went on to thank the Maldivian people and government for their hospitality and uniqueness.

Acknowledging the warmth and affection with which the island nation has greeted Lizhong, FM Shahid stated that he wishes the Ambassador good fortune and success in all his future endeavors, he will always be welcome to visit the country again as a friend of the Maldives. He highlighted that Lizhong has been personally committed to oversee the successful implementation of several developmental projects that were conducted with the assistance of the Chinese government.

Lizhong has been an active member of the Diplomatic Corp, engaging closely with local communities through various assistance programmes. He has also collaborated with the Maldivian government both on issue in the international sphere and on improving the bilateral partnership and friendship between Maldives and China.

Earlier this week the foreign ministry hosted a virtual farewell reception for Lizhong, who arrived in the Maldives after being appointed the Ambassador, in August 2017.

Lizhong was the third ambassador of China to Maldives after the inception of the Chinese Embassy during 2011.

Prior to his departure he paid farewell calls on the Minister of Tourism, Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Yumna Maumoon, Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and his son Faris Maumoon, Acting President of the opposition coalition, Abdul Raheem Abdulla as well as leaders of the opposition PPM-PNC coalition.