Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in substantive discussions with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday, resulting in the signing of 20 pivotal agreements, marking a significant stride in their bilateral relations. The agreements spanned various sectors, including tourism cooperation, disaster risk reduction, the blue economy, and digital economy investment.
The meeting culminated in the announcement of an elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, underscoring the depth and significance of their collaboration. The signed agreements encompassed strategic areas such as the Belt and Road Initiative, social housing projects, fisheries product processing factories, and the redevelopment of key road projects.
Among the major defense companies represented at the UK-India Defence Industry CEOs Roundtable were BAE Systems, GE Vernova, James Fisher Defence, Leonardo SpA, Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd, SAAB UK, Thales UK, Ultra-Maritime Rolls-Royce, ADS Group, and MBDA UK.
President Muizzu's state visit to China, though marred by a diplomatic row with India over derogatory remarks by his ministers and a report by the EU Election Observation Mission, has resulted in a diplomatic and economic milestone with the signing of these agreements. The elevation of bilateral ties and the expansion of cooperation across various sectors set the stage for strengthened relations between China and the Maldives.
As part of his appeal for more Chinese tourists amid the diplomatic row with India, Muizzu highlighted China's significance as a key tourism market for the Maldives. This visit also sought investments from Chinese companies for 11 projects, showcasing the multifaceted nature of the growing collaboration between the two nations.
(With Agency Inputs)
