Beijing:

BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke with President of the Republic of Maldives Mohamed Muizzoo in Beijing on Wednesday.

The two Heads of State announced the upgradation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Xi said the peoples of the two countries established friendly relations through the ancient Maritime Silk Road, carried out productive cooperation in the construction of the Belt and Road and other areas in recent years, and set a good example of equality, mutual assistance and mutual benefit. Did. Diplomatic relations between large and small countries over the last 52 years.

“Under the new circumstances, China-Maldives relations have a historic opportunity to build on past achievements and move forward,” Xi said.

Xi talked about the hard work and valuable experience of the Communist Party of China over the past century. He stressed that China respects and supports the Maldives in pursuing a development path that suits its national circumstances, and firmly supports the Maldives in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity. Does.

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China stands ready to exchange governance experiences with the Maldives, strengthen coordination of development strategies, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and set a new standard for China-Maldives friendship, Xi said. Is.

He called on both sides to strengthen cooperation in areas such as economy, trade and investment, agricultural parks and blue, green and digital economy. They also called for expanded cooperation on marine ecology and environmental protection as well as strengthened people-to-people exchanges. He said China would support more Maldivian students to study in China and promote more direct flights between the two countries.

Xi said the two sides should strengthen multilateral communication and coordination to safeguard genuine multilateralism and the common interests of developing countries and build a community with a shared future for humanity to make the world more peaceful, secure and prosperous .

He said China is willing to work with the Maldives to implement the consensus reached at the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai and promote the full and effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Muizzu said he was honored to be making his first state visit to China along with several important Cabinet ministers and to become the first foreign head of state to be hosted by China this year, which fully reflects the importance the two sides have for the development of bilateral relations. How much importance is given to.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of Maldives Mohammed Muizzu at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Jan. 10, 2024. Photo: Xinhua

Muizzu said the Maldives firmly adheres to the one-China policy. Firm mutual support in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity is a solid foundation for the continued and strong development of Maldives-China relations.

Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi’s historic state visit to the Maldives, Muizzu said China has provided a significant amount of valuable assistance to his country’s economic and social development. Citing the Maldives-China Friendship Bridge as a symbol of the bond between the two peoples, he said the Belt and Road Initiative has greatly benefited the people of Maldives.

During his visit to Fujian province, Muizu said he witnessed China’s great achievements and experienced President Xi’s excellent leadership. He said the Maldives is eager to take the advancement of relations as an opportunity to expand new channels of cooperation and promote high-quality partnerships in the construction of the Belt and Road, and it will welcome more Chinese tourists to visit the country. welcomes.

Muizzu said the Maldives supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, all of which were put forward by President Xi, and is willing to closely communicate and cooperate with China on international and regional affairs. .

Following their talks, the two Heads of State signed cooperation documents on the Belt and Road, disaster management, economy and technology, infrastructure construction, along with an action plan to establish a China-Maldives comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. , people’s livelihoods, green growth, and blue and digital economies.