The sixth round of consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China was held on Sunday.
The session was held at the Foreign Ministry, on Sunday afternoon.
According to the Ministry, the two countries discussed cooperation in areas of mutual interest including development cooperation, tourism promotion, human resources development, youth and sports, trade as well as investment cooperation between the two countries.
"The two countries also exchanged views on the ongoing Chinese government funded mega development projects such as the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge Project, Social Housing and the project on upgrading and expansion of Velana International Airport," said the Ministry.
Furthermore, as 2017 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries, a series of events are to be held this year, to celebrate the occasion "colorfully in both countries."
The Maldives delegation at the Consultations was led by Bilateral Secretary, Ahmed Khaleel, while the Chinese delegation was headed by China's Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kong Xuanyou.
The Assistant Minister arrived in Maldives on Friday to take part in the sixth round of consultations between both countries. The last round of consultations was held in January 2014.
On Saturday, Xuanyou visited the sites of the ongoing projects under the Chinese government.
READ MORE: Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister visits 'Friendship Bridge' project site
Assistant FM's call on FM Asim
Prior to Sunday's Consultations, Assistant Minister Xuanyou met with Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohamed Asim on Sunday.
At the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both parties exchanged views on further strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries, said the Ministry.
Minister Asim also highlighted "the invaluable contributions made by China over the recent years to the socio-economic development of the Maldives."
He also thanked the government of China, on behalf of the Maldivian government, "for the numerous development projects" currently ongoing in the country, under the Chinese assistance.
FM Asim was accompanied by Bilateral Secretary Khaleel, Joint Secretary Aishath Azeema and Director, Ahmed Fazeel.
Furthermore, Minister Asim hosted an official luncheon in honour of the Assistant Minister Xuanyou.
Call on President Yameen
President Abdulla Yameen welcomed the Assistant Minister, who paid a courtesy call on him on Sunday morning.
Emphasizing that the Maldivian government "attaches very high importance" to its relations with China, President Yameen expressed his gratitude "for the strengthened cooperation" between both countries, as well as for the "support and assistance that China continues to extend for the socioeconomic development of the Maldives." Discussions were also held on exploring further areas of cooperation between the two countries, said the Ministry.
Assistant Minister Xuanyou assured the President that China will continue to provide assistance to the Maldives, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.
Noting that the China and Maldives "have enjoyed cordial relations over the past years," Xuanyou also expressed confidence that the existing relations between the two countries will go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
He added that the ongoing projects in Maldives "are symbolic of the friendly relations" between both countries," and that China will continue working together with the Maldives to enhance the existing ties of friendship and cooperation.
The President was accompanied at the call by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Asim and the Minister of State for Foreign Relations at the President’s Office, Mohamed Naseer., while Assistant Foreign Minister Xuanyou was accompanied by the Ambassador of China to the Maldives, Wang Fukang, and the Third Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Fei.
