China to provide aid worth $8.2 million to Maldives

The government of China has decided to provide aid worth $8.2 million to the Maldives, for the implementation of developmental projects and improvement of public services by the new government.

The Chinese government announced this today, when Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Yu Hongyao paid a courtesy call on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

President Yameen thanked the Chinese government and people on behalf of the Maldivian government and people for the generous aid.

He mentioned that official bilateral relations were established between the two countries 41 years ago, and thanked the Chinese government for its efforts to strengthen those relations.

He said that his government will prioritise strengthening relations between Maldives and China, and highlighted the importance of easing visa procedures for Maldivians traveling to China.

President Yameen noted that while the Maldives has received 1 million tourists this year, tourist arrivals was highest from China; and said that the government hopes that tourist arrivals from China continues to increase in the future.

He said that the present government plans to revise the Maldives’ foreign policy, which includes expanding transactions with countries such as China, Japan, India and the US. He said that special divisions will be created in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for these countries.

At the meeting which took place at the President’s Office, the Chinese Ambassador congratulated President Yameen on his assumption of office, and said that he is confident that the relations between Maldives and China will continue to grow with the current government.