China is an invaluable friend says Maldives President

Monday, 31 December 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik last week described China as an invaluable friend to the Maldives and stressed that relations between China and Maldives have come a long way during the past 40 years.

Speaking during the ceremony held at Traders Hotel to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, President Waheed said that the relations have been further strengthened by the common thinking and belief of the two nations. In that regard he noted the assistance extended by China in the social, economic and cultural development of the Maldives.

“The Foreign Ministry building is a symbol of this friendship. I note the housing units being constructed under the Government’s assistance. In addition China is the number one market in commercial and tourism of the Maldives,” he detailed.

During the ceremony attended by top officials of both the countries, President expressed hope that the strong relations that has existed between the two nations in the past would remain even in the future.

Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Yu Hongyao hailed this year as the most productive for relations between the two nations in comparison with previous years. He added that the first phase of the housing units being constructed under the assistance of the Chinese Government would be completed and the agreement on the second phase which includes 500 more housing units would be signed in the near future.