China, Maldives vow to deepen bilateral cooperation

ANKARA

China and the Maldives have pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation in various areas while maintaining high-level exchanges to achieve fruitful outcomes, state media reported on Saturday.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday during Wang’s stopover in the Maldives on his way back from Africa. The two leaders discussed bilateral ties, according to Xinhua News.

Muizzu recalled his state visit to China last year, noting that the two countries have consistently treated each other with understanding and sincerity. He expressed willingness for the Maldives to remain a close partner of China.

For his part, Wang said Beijing would continue to support the Maldives in safeguarding its national independence and sovereignty while actively exploring a development path suited to its national conditions.

"China-Maldives cooperation has set a good example of mutual respect, equal treatment, and common development between big and small countries. China appreciates the Maldivian president and government for firmly pursuing a friendly policy toward China and abiding by the one-China principle," Wang added.

Wang returned from a week-long visit to Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid