VP: Maldives-China partnership shows how mutual cooperation can advance sustainable development

The partnership between Maldives and China shows how mutual respect and cooperation can advance national interests and sustainable development, says Maldivian Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef.

He made the remarks on Friday at the High-Level Meeting on the Global Development Initiative, hosted by China on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

In his address, has reaffirmed the Maldives’ support for the Global Development Initiative (GDI), calling for stronger partnerships among developing countries to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.

“As a small island developing state, the Maldives remains firmly committed to the principles of sustainable development, international cooperation and solidarity. We welcome initiatives that provide greater support to achieving the 2030 agenda and help developing countries address ongoing challenges,” he said.

He said that the Maldives highly values China's commitment to the GDI, a multilateral framework proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2021 at the 76th session UNGA to accelerate the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

VP Hussain said that the Maldives values its longstanding development partnership with China and its meaningful contribution to national development.

“The successful implementation of key infrastructure projects has strengthened national connectivity and supported socioeconomic development. Cooperation in human resource development and capacity building has strengthened more professionals and institutions,” he said.

“The Maldives-China partnership shows how mutual respect and cooperation can advance national interests and sustainable development.”

VP Hussain stressed that such partnerships remain more essential than ever, as developmental challenges continue to limit progress, and as unsustainable debt continues to undermine development and reduce the capacity to invest in resilience.

“We will continue to support practical approaches that promote sustainable development and long-term resilience,” he said.

VP Hussain highlighted on how climate change threatens progress, particular in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

“We must ensure that COP 31 delivers on commitments and turns them into meaningful climate action,” he said.

VP Hussain said that emerging challenges bring new pressures, but also new opportunities.

“Science, technology and innovation including artificial intelligence can drive sustainable development. We support stronger international cooperation and on capacity building, technology transfer and knowledge sharing,” he said.

“The Maldives remains committed to advancing the objectives of the Global Development Initiative.”

Concluding his remarks, VP Hussain called for greater solidarity among developing countries to address shared development challenges and advance a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future.